By marrying men of political distinction and adhering to their own political pursuits, the Song sisters--who included Ailing (1890-1973), Meiling (born 1897), and Qingling (1892"-1981) Song--participated in Chinese political activities and were destined to play key roles in Chinese modern history.

Charlie Song and Guizhen Ni had three daughters and three sons, all of whom received American educations at their father's encouragement. Though dissimilar political beliefs led the Song sisters down different paths, each exerted influence both on Chinese and international politics; indeed, Meiling's influence in America was particularly great.

In childhood, Ailing was known as a tomboy, smart and ebullient; Qingling was thought a pretty girl, quiet and pensive; and Meiling was considered a plump child, charming and headstrong. For their early education, they all went to McTyeire, the most important foreign-style school for Chinese girls in Shanghai. In 1904, Charlie Song asked his friend William Burke, an American...