Dangerous Independence

The radical, bold, and timelessly free life of America’s first and only openly gay First Lady could not stay forgotten for long

Rose Cleveland—sister of President Grover—was the United States’ first and only openly gay First Lady, and that’s only about the fifth-most-interesting thing about her. She was bold when her era told her to be timid, and unapologetically brainy in a Gilded Age that valued glitz. She was a successful literary critic, translator, editor, fashion influencer, suffragist, celebrity, and romance novelist. She ran a seven-hundred-acre commercial farm in Maine and a citrus grove in Florida. She delighted and unsettled nearly everyone she met and her life was so full that the fourteen months she spent as White House hostess were among the most boring of her life. She could hardly wait to hand over Blue Room receiving-line duties and get back to the private sphere: her writing, her many hobbies, her travel, and her women.

In Renegade Rose, Rebecca Boggs Roberts draws from intimate letters and a rich trove of research, bringing her cinematic narrative skill and sly sense of humor to the story of a woman lightyears ahead of her time. Inside and outside the White House, Rose Cleveland’s activism laid the groundwork for women’s suffrage, a dream that came to fruition just two years after her death. Her heroic nursing saved countless lives during World War I, even as it cost her her own. In her romantic relationships—fluid, full of grace, and unabashedly lesbian—she emerges as a great queer icon for our times. This book is the story of one brave and rebellious woman, but also of a brief window when American women redefined who they were and what they could be.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs