Susan Page: The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty

Award-winning journalist Susan Page will discuss her definitive biography of former First Lady Barbara Bush during a special presentation in Lewes on August 28.

Sponsored by the History Book Festival and the Lewes Public Library with book sales by Browseabout Books, the free presentation will begin at 5 PM at the library, located at 111 Adams Avenue in Lewes. The program is one in a series of book discussions leading up to the Third Annual History Book Festival, which will be held in Lewes on September 27, 28 and 29.

In addition to her library presentation, Ms. Page will sign copies of her book at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach on August 31 at 9 AM.

The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty (Twelve/Hachette, 2019) is a fascinating account of the woman who helped to define two American presidencies and an entire political era. Ms. Page, USA TODAY's Washington Bureau chief, interviewed more than 100 Bush family members and friends, engaged in hours of conversation with Mrs. Bush herself in the final months of her life, and was granted access to diaries that spanned decades.

Hailed by The Atlantic as the “rare biography of a public figure that’s not only beautifully written, but also shockingly revelatory,” The Matriarch traces the experiences that shaped Mrs. Bush and offers her last words for history on the evolution of her party, on the role of women, on Donald Trump, and on her family’s legacy.

Ms. Page has covered six White House administrations, is reporting on her eleventh presidential campaign, and has won every journalism award given specifically for coverage of the White House. Her next book is a biography of Nancy Pelosi titledMadam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Arc of Power (Twelve/Hachette).

Following her presentation at the library, Ms. Page will take questions and sign copies of her book. The book is available for purchase at Browseabout Books. Books also will be on sale during the event at the library.

Although the August 28 program is free, registration is requested. To reserve a seat, sign up online at www.lewes.lib.de.us, call the library at 302-645-2733, or register at the circulation desk. Walk-ins are welcome.

The library discussion is one in a series leading up to this year’s History Book Festival, which opens on September 27 with a keynote address by Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Atkinson. Twenty best-selling or new and promising authors will discuss their books throughout the day on September 28, ahead of a closing address by acclaimed novelist Alice Hoffman on September 29.