Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies

In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America's first families.

J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised...