American History Tellers to release book on the Hidden History of the White House

On June 4, 2024 William Morrow is thrilled to present THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE WHITE HOUSE: Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments by Corey Mead, with a foreword by bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower. Inspired by Wondery’s popular podcast American History Tellers, THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE WHITE HOUSE shares the untold stories of some of the most climactic moments in American history in the rooms where they happened.

For more than two centuries, The White House in Washington, D.C., has been the stage for some of the most dramatic scenes in American history. Its walls and portraits have witnessed fierce power struggles, world-altering decisions, shocking scandals, and unforgettable meetings.

In the signature style of Wondery’s hit American History Tellers podcast featuring narrative storytelling putting listeners in the moment and blending unique perspectives from both powerful and everyday people, THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE WHITE HOUSE places readers in the point of view of the historical figures—from power brokers to everyday Americans—who lived through such pivotal events as:

• Andrew Jackson’s disastrous 1829 inauguration, when a populist mob overran and trashed the White House
• Woodrow Wilson’s stroke, which led to his wife Edith serving as a shadow president during the final months of his administration
• Abraham Lincoln’s clandestine journey to Washington to dodge an assassination plot on the eve of the Civil War
• Winston Churchill’s wartime sojourn at the White House, during which he and FDR developed plans to defeat Germany
• Barack Obama’s decision to greenlight the daring Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden

Equal parts social, political, and cultural history—written and presented in the entertaining and immersive style for which American History Tellers is known—THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE WHITE HOUSE offers readers a rare opportunity to walk the halls of an iconic American landmark and explore some of the extraordinary people and events that made America what it is today.

“American History Tellers is one of Wondery’s longest-running and top-performing podcasts, and extending this franchise to a book was the natural next step,” said Nicole Blake, Chief Brand Officer, Wondery. “It has been an exciting collaboration with Corey and the William Morrow team to bring this new format of American History Tellers to life. Fans of the podcast will love this book, and readers of the book who are new to the podcast are sure to become listeners. At Wondery, we aim to bring premium audio stories to audiences wherever they are, and we’re thrilled to bring these incredible stories to light through the written word.”

This is the first published book inspired by Wondery’s American History Tellers podcast.