Historians have devoted much attention to the correspondence of presidents and first ladies. Thirty-one U.S. presidents have been fathers of girls, and most of them took the time to write moving letters to their daughters on a wide range of subjects.

"First Daughters: Letters Between U.S. Presidents and Their Daughters" has recently been published by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. Its authors are Gerard W. Gawalt, a historian in the Library's Manuscript Division, and his daughter Ann G. Gawalt, an attorney with the federal government.

The latest in a long list of Library of Congress publications of treasures from the personal papers of America's presidents, "First Daughters" includes many letters being published for the first time as well as photographs and original artwork.

Gerald Gawalt is curator of presidential papers at the Library. He compiled the correspondence in collaboration with his daughter Ann, who has an interest in history, politics and women's rights.

The book chronicles the triumphs, hopes, tragedies and daily lives of 21 presidents and their daughters, as recorded in their private correspondence. Grouped thematically, the letters reveal how different presidents and daughters handled similar issues such as marriage, education and politics. The correspondence is presented with minimal editing to allow the correspondents to speak for themselves. As a result, readers are given full access to the personalities and times that inspired them.