Reviews (2)

This Patti Davis Book received NO press hype, yet it is a be
There is a bitterness toward Ronald Reagan that does not subside. As the man was laid to rest on June 11, 2004 - there were two Tribune Columnists in South Florida that blamed President for AIDS epidemic caused by budget deficits. According to these elitist critics, Reagan created class warfare. Yet as we have witnessed from the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, The Gipper's mourners came from all walks of life.

When Patti Davis wrote scandalous books about her family, it was front page news. I found "Angels Don't Die" on the bargain rack of a bookstore chain shortly after publication. Like Ruben "Hurricaine" Carter's out-of-print book "The 15th Round," sometimes you do not find a book, sometimes the book finds you.

Patti wrote a book in which she reconciles with her father. "Angels Don't Die - My father's gift of Faith" is a spirtual book of common sense philosophy and conviction. Patti comes to grips with her father's emotional distance. Despite his showmanship and gregarious nature, Patti learns that her Daddy was really a very shy man.

This is a great book for people with older parents,
especialy as a coping tool for Baby Boomers and
Generation X reconciling with the World War II Generation.

books
I have read several of her books. She's a good writer. I admire her nonconformity/questioning/candor/spirit/honesty/empathy/intuitionand altruistic love for her family. There were troubles in their family. There are troubles in every family or so I've heard. There was justifiable questioning and normal rebellion. What family hasn't experienced this? She helped to eliminate the mystic of famous people being perfect for me. The books she writes are not just about her family, but they do encompass the members as a portrayal of idealogical norms at the time, some of which she did not agree with .She was/is very vocal/honest. I believe that she writes from her heart and the book, for her, was cathartic. She tried to deduce, through her writing, what the problem was and how to fix it. She wanted to help her family, while, at the same time show their true nature. I want to extend, as always, my highest regards and heartfelt condolences during their time of grief. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's no secret that America's most bully president was also its most bully outdoorsman and conservationist; what's often forgotten was how beautifully and authoritatively he wrote about the wilderness and his considerable experiences there. These two pre-White House narratives--Ranchman was originally published in 1885, Wilderness eight years later--are rich and vivid. The former chronicles Roosevelt's sojourns in the Dakota Badlands; the latter is an extended love letter to the pleasures and challenges of outdoor life. So what if some of his 19th-century ideas seem politically incorrect by the standards of the next century--magnificent prose is still magnificent prose. "Nowhere, not even at sea," writes the future First Hunter in one haunting passage, "does a man feel more lonely than when riding over the far-reaching seemingly never-ending plains ... [but] after a man has lived a little while on or near them, their very vastness and loneliness and their melancholy monotony have a strong fascination for him." By comparison, the isolation and weight of the Oval Office must have seemed like an afternoon stroll in the park. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ted's Excellent Hunting Adventures
The two books contained in this Modern Library edition are organized by species with each chapter devoted to hunting a particular animal during a hunting trips in the late 19th century in the American West. Some hunts were primarily intended to harvest meat while others were more oriented towards collecting trophy specimens. At other times Roosevelt stumbles upon game and kills it merely because it happens to cross his path. The bloodthirstyness of the hunters will be a shock to modern readers. Even those familiar with hunting may be taken aback by Roosevelt's "kill anything that moves" hunting philosophy. A modern hunter is limited by hunting seasons, bag limits and will usually not kill females with young. This was not the case in Roosevelt's day. He and his hunting companions gleefully slaughter any animal they come upon whether it's a bear sow with immature juveniles or a large record-book specimen. It was a different time then but it is laughable to hear Roosevelt described as a concerned conservationist and proto animal rights activist if you have really read his writing. There is one particularly disturbing episode where Roosevelt is sitting beside a stream with his hunting companions and sees a small animal walking along unafraid. In a matter of seconds Roosevelt pounces on the small creature, gutting and skinning it with his bare hands and laughing at his Native American companion's uneasyness at his needless cruelty.

Roosevelt's writing has an unfortunate tendency towards hyperbole. For example, he is incapable of simply eating a meal, instead he has a magnificent feast or a delicious repast. There is an annoying tendency to employ cute phrases that grate on a modern reader's ear. He refers to bears as "Ephraim" or "Bruin" and all large animals are "brutes" or "savage brutes." Putting aside these minor complaints this book is a fascinating historical document which contains information about the natural history of North American game species that is still useful to hunters and outdoorsmen today.

Quintessential Roosevelt
This volume will be enjoyable to anyone who loves nature or reading about nature; it will also interest the hunter and naturalist. See the events that help shape the life the greatest president this country has ever seen. A true conservationist, Mr. Rooselvelt was a REAL nature lover - his opinions were shaped through personal experience.
The two books in this volume are highly recommended.

Excellent period piece of history
I have an original copy of the "Hunting Trips of a Ranchman" published in 1900. I found the book to be completely engrossing and was unable to put it down until read. It was one of those that I hatted to see end. This book give a very accurate look at the times. ... Read more

Book Description

Six years in the making--with unprecedented access to Nancy Reagan and the couples closest friends--here is the first volume in the definitive portrait of the remarkable, career-building partnership between Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis. Celebrity insider and Vanity Fair special correspondent Bob Colacello reveals the social history of Ronald and Nancy Reagan as no one ever has before, from the formation of their unique alliance through their rise to the heights of power. Colacello exposes facets of their marriage that have always been hidden from public view. Ronald, born into modest circumstances in rural Illinois, and Nancy, raised in a fashionable enclave of Chicago, both learned early on the value and importance of cultivating the right friendships. Over the years, they perfected their social skills into an art form, becoming one of the film industrys most talked-about power couples. But Hollywood was only the beginning.... ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive biography of Ronald Reagan 's governorship, based on never-before mined cabinet minutes, recent interviews with former staff members, and a lifetime of reporting from the former president's definitive biographer.

In Governor Reagan, Lou Cannon offers--through recent interviews and research drawn from his unique access to the cabinet minutes of Reagan's first years as governor of California--a fresh look at the development of a master politician. At first, Reagan suffered from political amateurism, an inexperienced staff, and ideological blind spots. But he quickly learned to take the measure of the Democrats who controlled the State Legislature and surprised friends and foes alike by agreeing to a huge tax increase, which made it possible for him to govern for eight years without additional tax hikes. He developed an environmental policy that preserved the state's scenic valleys and wild rivers, and he signed into law what was then the nation's most progressive declaration on abortion rights. His quixotic 1968 presidential campaign revealed his higher ambitions to the world and taught him how much he had to learn about big-league politics.

Written by the definitive biographer of Ronald Reagan, this new biography is a classic study of a fascinating individual's evolution from a conservative hero to a national figure whose call for renewal stirred Republicans, working-class Democrats, and independents alike. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

California politics, yesterday and today
Having worked on Governor Reagan's staff in Sacramento, I was very interested to read Lou Cannon's new book. I was happy to find an excellent analysis of the times and events, based on Cannon's first hand observations and interviews (many with persons who are now deceased). What makes this book especially insightful is that Cannon analyzes particular events which have been remembered and written about in different ways, and comes up with what he considers the most valid explanation of what really happened. Sometimes his conclusions differ from accounts he had written previously, but he forthrightly explains why his opinions have now changed.

The book is a particularly interesting read today, of course, in light of recent political events in California. Those advising Arnold Schwarzenegger would find some interesting lessons here, and reading the book could be quite helpful to the Governor-elect himself! For the rest of us, it is fascinating to see how circumstances in California influenced the development of one actor-turned-governor, and speculate on how things may turn out for the second.

Lou Cannon does it again......
First off, I am a liberal. This is important to know because despite my political leanings, I loved this book not because it bashes Reagan, but rather because it is fair and takes the good with the bad, of which there are plenty. After reading Cannon's "President Reagan," I expected a well-researched, exhaustive account (relying heavily on cabinet minutes and interviews) with this volume, and I was not disappointed. Still, the title is a bit misleading as the book begins as a traditional biography (at least 150 pages of back story leading up to the 1966 run), and ends with Reagan's 1980 run for the White House.

As such, this is not a "liberal" book, nor is it a right-wing puff piece. The Reagan of Cannon's sketch is flawed to be sure, but also savvy, intelligent, and ambitious. And, to my surprise, Reagan was much more pragmatic and flexible as governor than people seem to remember. Many bills he signed (including the largest tax increase for any state in U.S. history, as well as a bill liberalizing abortion law) are contrary to his image and are even more left-wing than his predecessor Pat Brown.

Overall, an engaging read that never plays favorites and doesn't try to rewrite history to anyone's advantage. Reagan is far from the simplistic boob his critics portray, but he was not a saint either. Above all, Reagan was a political animal -- always striving for the next step, which makes his "outsider" status a bit silly. He was never completely "of Washington," but he lived for politics and he never gave up in pursuit of his vision.

A different Reagan
Reagan as Governor of California was very different than Reagan as President. Probably because he was in more control then. This was the Reagan that admired Ayn Rand and put forward what was then a very pro-choice stand on abortion and signed some of the most progressive women's rights into law. At the same time he worked hard on fiscal conservatism and chopped a lot of waste.

I find it interesting that a guy who never went to church would run for President like he was born-again (which of course he wasn't). I suppose you do what you must to win. Still, I liked the old Reagan best, which is why I really enjoyed this book.

Strong Account of Reagan's Early Political Days
Governor Reagan is a well-crafted book by the biographer that seems to know Reagan best. Since Cannon has already written an in-depth book on the Reagan Presidency (Role of a Lifetime), this book serves as a perfect lead into that one. Surprisingly, there's a good deal more about Reagan's early life and Hollywood career than the title would lead you to believe. We don't get to the Governor's race until page 129 and the last 100 pages of the book are about Reagan's post Governor days including the challenge to Ford in 1976 and his 1980 campaign win. In essence, this becomes the Reagan Presidency prequel.

What's great about Cannon's work is that he seems to take an even-handed approach to his subject. That's uncommon for writers who usually give Reagan a heavy diet of adulation or scorn.

Cannon contends that Reagan's experience as a union leader gave him the ability to find compromises through negotiation. It helped him a great deal in California with an Assembly led by the opposition. He was ideological sure but Reagan also wanted to accomplish something. He was willing to concede certain points to win the bigger ones. This is a good point that probably isn't made enough when discussing his success.

I found Reagan's six years between offices and how he nearly (and probably) won the Republican nomination in 1976 the most interesting. It was a tough decision to challenge the incumbent President of his own party. He didn't want to alienate fellow Republicans or hurt his future political chances. Therefore, the challenge was full of drama and Cannon writes a roadmap from primary to convention.

The book ends with the 1980 Reagan campaign and his becoming President Elect. If you're interested in Reagan you won't find a more thorough account of his political career before Washington.

Sober, fair, intelligent work.
Remember all the commotion when DUTCH, the biography of
Ronald Reagan written by Edmund Morris, was released?
Morris had played an unforgiveable trick on his readers by
fictionalizing large sections of his book, arguing that
it was the only way he could come to grips with or partially
explain certain aspects of Reagan's life and psyche.

By so doing, Morris may have made a ton of money just from the
publicity such an unusual approach generated, but he made
his work utterly worthless, and in no small way, damaged forever
his reputation as a historian (I, for one, will never read
another book by him simply because I would find it hard to
know what is real and what Morris has made up).

Lou Cannon, on the other hand, who has been following Reagan
since his California days, is a student in the old, honored
traditional school of political biography. His research is
copious, his writing compelling (I actually think he becomes
a better writer with each book), and his judgements are
fair; so fair, in fact, that this book will probably
anger those who idolized Reagan as well as those who detested
him. For everyone else, Cannon's book is an instructive
exploration of how one of the most successul American politicians of the American Century worked.

It is hard to come away from this book without the impression
that some political leaders just have sharper political
instincts than others; that it is an art, not a science, and
perhaps cannot be taught.

It is also hard, upon reaching the end of Cannon's latest,
to not feel that the writer represents the best of political
journalism, the kind once defined by Theodore White in his
famous "Making of the President" series, and, today, perhaps
only by David Broder.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand
how effective political leadership in a democratic republic works, and why Reagan (hint: he was often underestimated by
his foes) thrived so well in our particular form of
celebrity-driven politics. ... Read more

Book Description

Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only twentieth-century presidentconsistently ranked by historians with the Founding Fathers and Abraham Lincoln.His leadership in the dark hours of the Depression and the Second World War hasendowed him in the eyes of many with an aura of greatness, and his presidencyhas been the explicit or implicit model for all of his successors, from Trumanto Clinton. In this concise biography, Patrick J. Maney provides an original andinsightful reexamination of Roosevelt's life and legacy, carefully sifting factfrom myth and showing how the Roosevelt legendfor good and for illhas shapedthe modern presidency. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Apologist History
In The Roosevelt Presence, Maney does his best to justify and explain away issues relative to the New Deal, the Roosevelt administration, and various methods the Roosevelt administration created or implemented to solve various crises, chief among them economic difficulties in the '30s and war issues in the '40s. Maney clearly exposes his liberal, left-leaning stance by being critical of Roosevelt in certain areas but being supportive in other areas. As a historian, Maney should have presented the facts and let the reader decide. If Maney wanted to voice his opinion or other relevant personal position information, he should have included that in an introduction or in the endnotes. The fact that the University of California press published this book also speaks to the left-leaning position.

Disappointing, at times bizarre!
Other reviewers have accurately noted that Maney both praises and criticizes Roosevelt. I based my purchase on this expectation of a balanced portrait. What they didn't note is that both the criticism and the praise are done from an extreme left perspective.

Unlike most books written about FDR from the left, Maney does address some of the low points in Roosevelt's presidency. However, when doing so he at times goes into bizarre explanations/justifications which left me scratching my head. For example:

1) Roosevelt's plunging the recovering economy back into depression in 1937 by deliberately shrinking the money supply and reducing government spending. Explanation: He only meant to slow down the growth of the economy, he couldn't have expected this to slow down the economy.
2) Roosevelt's decision to imprison Japanese Americans in WWII against the advice of J. Edgar Hoover (no softie on security!). Explanation: It wasn't his fault, he was given bad advice by the people he appointed.
3) Roosevelt's postwar plan to create a soviet style economic model in the US where the government could dictate which job any person had ("labor draft"), and guaranteed food, shelter, clothing, and recreation to all in return. Explanation: The fact that he didn't advocate the abolition of corporations and the total redistribution of all wealth shows that Roosevelt was becoming a moderate.

I wouldn't have believed these examples (and others), had I not read the book! The other thing that surprised me were some of the horrifying things Roosevelt did which clearly didn't bother the author at all. For example, neither Roosevelt's attempt to "purge" the Democratic party of those he deemed not ideologically pure, nor his breaking the back of the supreme court in the infamous "court packing" case troubled the author.

With all this said, the worst part of the book by far was the concluding chapter "Reputation and Legacies". This last rambling chapter bemoans the fact that President Carter could not have predicted from FDR's experience that restricting the national oil supply would create a recession. He drones on for several pages on this theme of how FDR let the world down by not having the foresight to give advice to future Democratic presidents. The final paragraph concludes with "There is much to admire about Roosevelt... yet as the experience of his successors helped confirm, his greatness was much too deeply rooted in the circumstances of his own times... Among presidents, alas, [FDR] was not a man for all seasons." While I'm not opposed to criticizing Roosevelt, this is as unfair as it is disappointing. How can we blame FDR for addressing the key issues during his presidency? At the same time, important topics like the legacy of Social Security, FDR's decision to give Stalin N. Korea, the complicity of members from the Roosevelt administration in bringing Mao to power in China (to name a few) are left undiscussed.

an excellent and perceptive book
Despite its lack of heft, Patrick Maney has produced a wonderfully balanced and nuanced portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Indeed, Maney's book may be the finest jumping off point for those looking to get acquainted with FDR in full bloom, and not just with the nostalgic, sometimes mawkish, remembrances of politicians.

When it comes to FDR, far too many readers, including a number of other reviewers here, only want to hear about positive aspects: the New Deal, winning World War II, etc. As a professional historian, Maney is not in the business of producing such hagiographies. As such, what we have here is the cool judgment and dispassionate analysis of a writer who is constructing a narrative of the historical record; not someone who is cheerleading for a particular political persuasion. Those who want a softer and friendlier treatment of Roosevelt should look elsewhere.

In addition to Roosevelt's many triumphs, Maney provides great detail about some of FDR's more negative aspects, such the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, or his near pathological secrecy that kept him from grooming a successor. Maney also lays bare Roosevelt's personal peccadilloes, such as his long-term affair with Lucy Mercer.

In the end, Maney has done a fine job of presenting Roosevelt, and he should be commended.

Ya'll need to step off
All ya'll been about misreviewing this book, but it was tight, yo! My man Maney gets scientific in his approach of talking about a cat nobody can touch, and he has the cojones to take a stand, and tell that s--t real. And none of you ever been to the Depression, so don't be even trying to talk about how he was wrong about it. Give Maney props, he gives an even-handed book telling of the many things, good and bad, or Franklin Roosevelt, our former president.

A confused and error-laden examination
If you are seeking a hatchet job on the greatest President of the 20th century, this is your cup of tea. Maney attempts to paint FDR with a black brush, but makes so many factual mistakes in his narrative, that his attempt is weak and ultimately pathetic. His gross lack of understanding about the causes of the Depression and the impending European crisis are almost laughable.

FDR made mistakes in judgment (attempting to pack the Supreme Court), but he was the quintessential and perfect leader for this country in the midst of its greatest crisis of the past 100 years. Imagine Tom Dewey or Wilkie leading this nation against the Axis powers. Contemplate that one... if you dare!

There are many outstanding examinations of Franklin Roosevelt and this is certainly not one of them. It's a polemic and poorly written attempt to diminish FDR's influence and greatness. It fails on all levels. The only people who would embrace this treatment would be the die-hard Roosevelt haters. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1997 the American people will celebrate with great fanfare and publicity the fiftieth anniversary of Jackie Robinson's explosive entrance into major league baseball. Robinson has become a national icon, his name a virtual synonym for pathbreaker. Indeed, much has transpired between this young African-American's first bold strides around the baseball diamonds of a segregated America and General Manager Bob Watson's pride in assembling 1996 World Champion New York Yankees. Recognizing this monumental event in America's continuing struggle for integration, Jules Tygiel has expanded his highly acclaimed Baseball's Great Experiment. In a new afterword, he addresses the mythology surrounding Robinson's achievements, his overall effect on baseball and other sports, and the enduring legacy Robinson has left for African Americans and American society.

In this gripping account of one of the most important steps in the history of American desegregation, Tygiel tells the story of Jackie Robinson's crossing of baseball's color line. Examining the social and historical context of Robinson's introduction into white organized baseball, both on and off the field, Tygiel also tells the often neglected stories of other African-American players--such as Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron--who helped transform our national pastime into an integrated game. Drawing on dozens of interviews with players and front office executives, contemporary newspaper accounts, and personal papers, Tygiel provides the most telling and insightful account of Jackie Robinson's influence on American baseball and society. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Exceeds Expectations
I purchased this book to learn more about Jackie Robinson and his relationship with Branch Rickey. Jules Tygiel gave me that (in an unbiased, thorough manner with great historical perspective) and then some! I gained an increased appreciation for the role of the Negro Leagues in the development of Major League baseball. I gained insight into the changing perceptions of baseball management, players and fans toward African-Americans and their contributions to the game. I was momentarily transported to that time, not as long ago as I would have thought, where non-white players were treated as second-class citizens. It was really an eye-opener. In addition, Mr. Tygiel's style was so honest and even-handed that I can't wait to read his book, "Past Time: Baseball As History," which I ordered today!

Well Done
This scholarly yet readable look at baseball integration from 1947-1959 goes well beyond the inspiring story of Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey. Author Jules Tygiel also informs about such secondary figures as Larry Doby, Bill Veeck, Hank Aaron, Pumpsie Green, etc. Tygiel shows that integration proceeded slowly and in the face of strong resistance - the Boston Red Sox didn't add a black player until 1959, three years after Jackie Robinson retired. We also see how baseball integration spurred civil rights, while hastening the end of the Negro Leagues. I'd have liked more coverage of baseball's declining attendance after 1949 (probably caused by television), and the suspected correlation between athletic dominance and underclass poverty. Still, BASEBALL'S GREAT EXPERIMENT is a well-researched look at an interesting period in sports history.

A book that increased my understanding
I have a better understanding of integregation and how it affected every American no matter what his race or beliefs. Baseball was a pioneering vechicle for social questioning and challenged many men other than Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson into greatness. They were courageous men who had to fight convention and who lead other Americans to follow their example. I realize the impact integration had on everyone involved Black or White: the team owners, the players, broadcasters, vendors, and families. Many individuals sacrificed to improve their freedom and the freedom given to other humans. Mr. Rickey and Mr. Robinson are not portrayed as mythological figures but rather as real men I can respect more because they are like all of us. I am convinced that Mr. Robinson endured because he had strong character and determination and he believed in "the experiment." I feel I know him better now that I know more about his struggles and triumphs. I kept reading because everything was explained simply and with logic and with an absence of bias.

Definitive book on Robinson and civil rights
Professor Tygiel's book is the definitive work on the importance of Jackie Robinson to American history. Tygiel writes a well-researched, dynamic narrative that illustrates Robinson's incredible achievements and strength of character. This book, unlike others on Robinson, focuses on the years before and after 1947 as well. By doing this, Tygiel reveals the impact of Robinson's achievement in the context of the emerging civil rights movement. Jackie Robinson's story was not his alone- it was the story of the ballplayers who came after him. The book also shows how Robinson's courageous seasons personified the changing American conscience regarding race in the post-war era.

After reading this book you will want to change the world.
The early twentieth century saw baseball achieve almost mythical proportions in popularity. In 1947 Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and became a myth himself. He forever changed the way the game was played and helped the cause of civil rights everywhere. Tygeil writes passionately about Robinson's character and achievements and puts them in perspective with the time he lived. After reading this book, you will never look at baseball or civil rights the same. This is not just another book on baseball. This book shows how baseball changed humanity. ... Read more

Book Description

From the Oval Office to Camp David to Air Force One, a portrait of thereal Ronald Reagan, away from the journalists, cameras, andmicrophones.

During his White House years, President Reagan earned the love andadmiration of millions, and altered the course of history.Jim Kuhn,his executive assistant, was one of the very few people privileged tosee the Great Communicator not just during his historic public events,but also behind the scenes, during quiet moments.

Kuhn was responsible for helping the most powerful man in the worldmanage his time and information. His memoir of an unguarded andunedited Ronald Reagan captures the laughter, resolve, sensitivity, anddiscomforts of the man who won the Cold War and restored America’sconfidence.

President Reagan frequently shared with Kuhn his personal views onmatters great and small, including his thoughts about world leaderssuch as Mikhail Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher, and controversialissues such as nuclear weapons, taxes, and women’s rights. Kuhn recallsmany poignant moments that will surprise readers, no matter how muchthey already know about President Reagan. For example:

· How the President reacted when staff disappointed him and thingsdidn’t go as planned
· The time he felt distraught over arms negotiations with theSoviets
· President Reagan’s true personal thoughts about abortion
· What aspersion bothered him more than any other
· How President Reagan felt about the Iran-Contra scandal and thefigures involved

During his 13 years of service to Ronald Reagan, Kuhn discovered a manwho acted the same off camera as he did in front of the world; whoshowed the same respect to an anonymous caller to the White House as hedid to Pope John Paul II; who was more nuanced and perceptive than thepress would ever admit; who never let the power and prestige of thePresidency go to his head.

Now that Ronald Reagan has passed away, there is a hunger for a deeperunderstanding of what made him a great President. Jim Kuhn offers aunique perspective on the private Ronald Reagan that will fascinate hismillions of admirers. ... Read more

Book Description

Advance Praise

"Fascinating and well researched.... Dr. Swift is the first to concentrate on this unusual subject with such a wealth of sympathetic detail."
–Sarah Bradford, author of America’s Queen: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth: A Biography of Britain’s Queen, and The Reluctant King: The Life and Reign of George VI, 1895—1952

"A splendid addition to our understanding of an extraordinary Anglo-American partnership. Both intimate and expansive, Will Swift’s vigorously researched book is timely, illuminating, and dramatic."
–Blanche Wiesen Cook, author of Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 1: 1884-1933 and Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 2: The Defining Years, 1933-1938

"The Anglo-American alliance has long been a bedrock of the global order, and Will Swift’s The Roosevelts and the Royals details an important chapter in that fascinating story with warmth and verve."
–Jon Meacham, author of Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship

"Those who remember only that the Roosevelts served hot dogs to the royals will be fascinated by this well-researched account of an historic and ennobling relationship–a great story!"
–James MacGregor Burns, author of The Three Roosevelts: Patrician Leaders Who Transformed America and Roosevelt: Soldier of Freedom

"A gripping account of four very different lives that were woven together to change the world in wartime."
–Hugo Vickers, author of Cecil Beaton and Alice: Princess Andrew of Greece

"Written in fluid and lucid prose, this book is not only eminently readable but also historically illuminating. It explores the contrasting personalities of the four main protagonists with skill and insight and it is both convincing and refreshingly candid."
–Brian Roberts, author of Randolph: A Study of Churchill’s Son and Cecil Rhodes and the Princess

"This book brings to life my grandmother and her royal friends. Reading it, I found myself reliving the times I shared with them. A wonderful story."
–Nina Roosevelt Gibson, Ph.D., psychologist and granddaughter of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Brilliant Account of Fascinating Historical Figures
If you like a blend of biography and history as I do, you will love this book. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth are vividly portrayed here. Their alliance and, later friendship, and their commitment to mix charm and duty for the public good are set against Joseph Kennedy and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's self-serving attempts to gain attention and power. The author, a psychologist, shows us the inner workings and motivations of all the main characters without sounding like he is doing a case study.
Most of us are aware how FDR and Churchill worked together to build the "special relationship" between America and Britain, but this book rounds out the story by showing the complicated three-way partnership between Churchill, Roosevelt and the king. I was surprised by how little I knew about the king and queen's role in softening American isolationism and in persuading Roosevelt to send war materials to Britain when it was at the brink of extinction.
I was fascinated by how the king and queen won over Americans in Washington and New York during their 1939 state visit. The author gives us the full drama of the hot dog picnic at Hyde Park and explores how it helped to heal British-American relations.
The Roosevelts and the royal family remained friends until Eleanor's death in 1962. There is a wonderful vignette in the book about Eleanor's visit with her granddaughter to Buckingham Palace for tea with Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. The Roosevelt- royal connection has recently been revived by Prince Andrew on visits to Hyde Park.
The author has obviously done his homework- with careful research at both the FDR Library and Windsor Castle- and has talked to many of the Roosevelt grandchildren. Like Jon Meacham's Franklin and Winston, and Doris Kearns Goodwin's No Ordinary Time, this book brings historical relationships to life, and provides an accurate depiction of a period in time. This is a truly impressive biography of four of the twentieth century's greatest leaders.

This Book Must Be Read
Will Swift does a terrific job in bringing to life the personalities and issues of a critical time in world history. This book is a must read for those interested in the events of the time, and how those events influenced today's relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Hot Dogs Symbolize Core American Values....
The potential audience for this engaging work extends far beyond the royal watchers. Will Swift's unique lens framing The Roosevelts and the Royals brilliantly illustrates the political culture tie (not ascot) that binds. This psychologist masterfully showcases the subtlety that allowed the American public to access the royalty from which they once fled. As world reknowned Seymour Martin Lipset tells us in his theory of American exceptionalism, Americans have more values that join them than separate them-but always assumed that these value distinctions are what cut the cord from the mother country. The visit between the Roosevelts and the Royals tapped a major American vein, the undercurrent of core American values-egalitarianism, populism, individualism, laissez faire and liberty. We were "free" to serve hot dogs, what many Americans might be dining on in picnics across America. Compelling in both organization and writing, the book reveals the ultimate complexity of people, and that leaders can serve distinctive purposes in different time periods, often based on our fundamental orientations as people. Perhaps only such a well-trained psychologist could detect and successfully communicate what resonated between these people, in quite genuinely a friendship that changed history, and could capture the symbolical roots of the now formidable US-British alliance. Swift is able to show the generational learning the can occur between countries-the mother country, and the rebellion of the fledgling toddler nation, who ultimately sees what "genetic" propensities remain. So well-researched and written, it need not be reserved for political scientists and royal watchers, but for good book lovers everywhere, who truly appreciate an original.

A Great Royal - Roosevelt Read.
An excellent recollection of the relationship between the Roosevelts and the King and Queen of England. This book is filled with fascinating details, stories and antedotes that keeps the reader engrossed from beginning to end. Will Swift clearly has a great understanding not only of British Royal History but American History as well, this knowledge combined with a effortless, free flowing writing style makes this book a pleasure to read. For anyone with a interest in the Roosevelts and/or the King and Queen of England this is a definite must read. Don't miss this book and the story of infamous first royal hot dog.

A Winning Combination
This book is a fascinating view of American social history throughout the FDR years. It's backed up by extensive research and has pages of scholarly source notes, yet it's really fun to read--a highly enjoyable look at the American-British alliance and how strong this was at the time of the Greatest Generation. ... Read more

Book Description

Each day was an adventure for President Theodore Roosevelt. When he was a kid, he kept turtles in the bathtub and frogs under his cap. As an adult, he was a cowboy, a river explorer, and a big game hunter. Sometimes he would go on marches through deep puddles and icy rivers -- just for fun! TIME For Kids® Biographies help make a connection between the lives of past heroes and the events of today. When Teddy became president, Americans were looking ahead with excitement to the twentieth century. Teddy's spirit and dreams helped make the United States one of the greatest countries in the world. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Many books have been written about Ronald Reagan, but this collection of his letters must certainly be among the most varied and revealing about every aspect of the man. Organized by themes such as "Old Friends," "Running for Office," "Core Beliefs," "The Critics," and "Foreign Leaders," the book contains over 1,000 letters stretching from 1922 to 1994. Whether discussing economic policy with a political foe, dispensing marital advice, or sharing a joke with a pen pal, Reagan comes across as gracious, caring, and inquisitive. Even when responding to blistering criticism, he remained fair and thoughtful. As one would expect, many of the letters are addressed to world leaders, well-known American politicians, pundits, and journalists, and these are certainly interesting for their historical relevance and insights into Reagan's diplomatic style. Among the more fascinating notes, however, are those sent to private citizens, some of which are quite long and detailed. That Reagan would spend the time, as both governor of California and President, to respond to the concerns and inquiries of constituents reveals that he never forgot how he got to his positions of leadership in the first place. He even went so far on occasions to help make business connections for people he had never met in person. He also sent many letters to children. In one, he encouraged a young student to turn off the TV and grab a book instead: "Reading is a magic carpet and you can never be lonely if you learn to enjoy a good book."Taken as a whole, these revealing, well-written, and entertaining letters trace the story of Reagan's life and times as well as any standard biography. They also offer further proof of why he was dubbed "The Great Communicator." --Shawn Carkonen ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Know the man from his own words
Whatever one's opinions of Reagan's domestic and foriegn policy may be, it is hard to overestimate the effect of Ronald Reagan on the world around him. This outstanding book is not narrative, nor is it a history. Rather, it is simply a collection of his letters to constituents, fellow policy makers, critics, and friends. It is quite possible that Ronald Reagan will be the last president to leave us this amount of correspondence. As the art of letter writing dies, replaced with e-mail and with the telephone, this traditionally rich source for historians will likely diminish in importance.

Not so for Reagan. He was a product of his generation; and he wrote. Letter after letter reveals the real Ronald Reagan on these pages. This book and its counterpart "Reagan in His Own Hand," which focuses on the develpment of his philosophy and resulting policy positions, are both indespensible in helping us understand his legacy. Highly recommended.

A life In Letters
It seems that many here have lost what America was built on, we have a man of the people that brought this country together in a time that needed bought together. Letters that he wrote show the man for what he stood for and that was for the love of the people. If we had more of that love throughout our country we would be much better off. I've never seen so many books coming out to knock our leaders instead of united behind them. This book is a great look into a man of love and kindness and yet people still come here and knock such a man. We must respect our leaders and stand behind our leaders or they will not have anything to lead, fore we will loss our country and all it stands for. Remember the words-"United we stand and divided we fall" this country is falling each day and we as Americans better get our act together and stand behind the country and its leaders. This book Reagan: A Life In Letters should be read and look deep into the heart of the man that wrote such letters. Larry Hobson -Author- "The Day Of The Rose"

UP FRONT AND UP-BEAT
What strikes me about the letters written by Ronald Reagan throughout his life is that here is a man with strong opinions, which many agreed with and many did not. But Reagan was not afraid to air his opinions, to put his name and his face on his words. The world is filled with people who skulk in the shadows, hiding behind a veil of secrecy, spewing critcisms and non-entities under the guise of anonymity or assumed aliases. Reagan dealt with these kinds of low people when he was dealing with Communists in Hollywood. He triumphed over his critics in a manner that all people of goodness, conscience and honesty can learn from. He was proud of his accomplishments, and continually strove to do the right thing despite the bickerings and mutterings of those who were not pimples on his rear end. This is a fine lesson to learn from his letters. He was himself always - upright, proud, never hiding from his purpose but always willing to take full responsibility for himself.

STEVEN TRAVERS

AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
...

A philosophical - NOT political - outlook
I read this book in a couple of settings one weekend and reviewed it immediately. During this last week (RR died) I took it down and read it with a new perspective, one influenced not by the sometimes tawdry and hypocritical media coverage but by the words of world leaders, common citizens, reporters - a wide cross-section of Americans who came to the same conclusion about the man.

It is the height of participatory irresponsibilty to slam a book (as some reviewers have done) based on politics. We will surely see reviews of the type: "Clinton's new book is bad because he (fill in the blank) committed perjury, paid off a woman to avoid a sex case, conducted a tawdry affair with a bimbo, humiliated his wife and daughter, etc.." All these are true but should not be the basis for a book review.

What IS surprising in this book is the incredible depth and range of RR's intellectual ramblings. He possessed humility, an unending optimism and a firm belief in the goodness of the American people and the greatness of America. Subjects vary from war to socialism, monetary policy, education, science, manners, parenting, religion, evolution, custom, Greek & Roman influence, psychology, philosophy and particularly that most human of emotions, love. Letter writing of this kind, with pen and paper, is a dying art. It would be even more telling to review the original documents that were works in progress.

This most castigated of Presidents - "Hollywood actor" - had one of the most wide-ranging intellects ever to occupy the White House. Another reviewer noted Reagan's "emotional intelligence" - an apt commentary illustrated by his ability to confound the so-called "experts" time and again. Thatcher picked up on this in her eulogy with the idea - readily seen in these pages - that he had a few beliefs that were deep-seated, unchanging, and in the end, validated.

Most importantly, this book illustrates that these beliefe were philosophical NOT political - a point rarely noted. Rather than work on parceling federal funds to political allies, he worked to unshackle the economy and the result was a 20 year boom that continues today. Rather than co-exist Soviet aggression he made the bold step of offering friendship. He was no policy wonk but a great student of human motivation. It was his private beliefs that gave strength to his public pronouncements, come to life in these pages. This collection is an apt summation for a life lived well and full.

A Great Man Backed up by the Truth of History
Well, since I see the liberal know-nothings are writing "reviews" which are nothing more than denigrations of a dead man (very classy folks, as usual), I wanted to offer my own comments. Growing up during his presidency, Ronald Reagan taught me to love this country, work hard, and he spared my own children from growing up in the shadow of advancing communism. He spoke to me personally as no other President has since. This week has been very hard for me and my wife, since it seems a chapter of my childhood has now been closed.

After we are all gone from this earth, and the partisanship some of my fellow Americans have heavily invested in hating a good man, history will surely reflect the greatness of Ronald Reagan's accomplishments. Lincoln was viciously despised by a great number of people, including many in his Republican party, but through history's clear window, he has been proven to be our nation's preserver, and one of our top few leaders. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good, but wish it were "all Reagan"
This is a fairly nice book with good quality photos of Reagan from birth to the end. I enjoyed parts of it, but there are some aggravations. There are included sections that are just outright annoying. Why on earth does there need to be a section about first ladies and for goodness sake why is there a picture of Hillary Clinton ANYWHERE in this book? If this is a book about Ronald Reagan there shouldn't be these stupid little "historical" asides. One section is pictures of other presidents that played sports. Please. I don't need this. It reminds me of my children's preachy take home school magazines. Also a forward by Dan Rather. A more innapropriate person to write a forward about Reagan I would have a hard time finding. Why don't we just get Michael Moore's input while we're at it.

I got this as a keepsake for my children since Reagan dying was a huge world event during their childhood. It has a nice sturdy cover for softback and it has a decent collection of pictures for them to look at. But to truly be perfect it would need to omit the liberal overtones and the stupid pictures that are irrelevent to the life of Reagan. A huge missing gap of this book is lack of pictures of the funeral. It was a touching and pictoral event that should be included in this book.

Buy it to complement other volumes perhaps. I think overall it could have been better.

Good Despite All Efforts to the Contrary
OK - I'll admit that I bought something from the Time/Life telemarketers. I have since been punished by receiving their relentless phone calls.

My copy of "A Life in Pictures" arrived along with three PBS DVD's, and it was a while before I got around to flipping through its pages.

It wasn't until this week that I got around to reading it. The last picture in the book was quite moving now that Reagan has exited the stage at last.

The photos are all worthwhile - though many of them can be found elsewhere. The young Reagan transitioning to the old Reagan presents a remarkable image.

Still, it must be pointed out that anyone selecting Dan Rather to write an introduction to a book about Reagan must have their motive questioned, at the very least. Having Rather opinine about Reagan is like having Rush Limbaugh write the introduction to a book about Bill Clinton.

Rather tries his hardest to say decent things about Reagan while condemning everything he stood for, and is marginally successful. So are the editors, whose captions to the photos only occassionaly break forth in utter disdain. Again - recognizing Reagan's iconographic standing, they are hesitant to resort to outright calumny. Still, they don't miss a chance to characterize his followers as "rabid," emphasize his emotional distance as a father, or give more than equal time to his detractors.

Finally, there's some typical Time/Life nonsense in the book, such as the "Other Presidents Who Survived Assassination Attempts" and "Other Prominent First Ladies" sections.

Still, one can always ignore the captions and text, and come away with a nice collection of images of the Gipper.

Ronald Reagan: A Life in Pictures
What a beautiful book documenting the life of arguably one of the most famous and successful Presidents in our nations history. President Reagan saved our country from socialist and communist forces from within and abroad and helped America become the leader of the free world, a position it still enjoys today, 20 years after his first inauguration. Here's to a Ronald Reagan, a TRUE American hero! ... Read more

Book Description

Ayn Rand made a profound impact as both a philosopher who founded a school of social thought, Objectivism, and as a novelist of penetrating insight and vision. Her works are founded on heroic ideals, demonstrating the maxim that, "man’s ego is the fountainhead of human progress."

The photos and illustrations in this volume have been hand-selected from the Ayn Rand Archives, and most have never been published. They include personal mementos of a Petersburg childhood, her family and their home on Nevsky Prospect; photos from her early years in America; personal papers, including her list of the twelve publishers who passed on The Fountainhead; original newspaper articles, film posters, notes, drawings, and much more.

In a recent poll conducted by the Library of Congress and the Book-of-the-Month Club, Rand’s Atlas Shrugged was voted the novel most influential to American readers. This latest volume of the acclaimed Overlook Illustrated Lives series gives her legions of fans an unprecedented chance to better understand the author they adore. ... Read more

Book Description

According to recent opinion polls, Ronald Reagan is the most popular of modern presidents, and yet to most biographers the man is still an enigma.  This is because, as Brown explains, no one has ever focused on this great man’s faith.  This book explores the life and personality of Ronald Reagan by focusing on his deep-felt Christian beliefs and showing how faith guided him along his distinguished career and led him to his unprecedented success.  With the support of Ronald Reagan's own words and writings and first-hand interviews of Ronald Reagan's family, friends, and co-workers, Brown weaves a magnificent story of Reagan’s strong devotion to God that will not only inspire Christians to enter public service and allow their faith to motivate all their actions but also help point others to the Cross of Jesus Christ—a cause that was near and dear to President Reagan's heart. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Poorly-written, shallow introduction to a compelling subject
Just to get the politics out of the way, I am definitely a fan of Reagan.

That said, I think this was a poorly written book. First, the tone is entirely too close to Reagan. Obviously, the author is not a historian by training or by profession, but the book would have been a better read if it had not had such a boosterish tone.

The book also suffers from a simple case of bad writing. Though there are no howlers such as dangling participles, the book certainly has a "rushed, first-draft" tone to it. It contains many stylistic false steps, and reminds me of a mediocre term paper written by a high school student. "Reagan did blah blah blah. Reagan blah blah blah." How about using the pronoun "he" once in a while?

The text is also pedantic and given to cliches. ("the period in life between the innocence of childhood and the full responsibilities is a very challenging time.")

It veers off-topic on occasion. A discussion of the assassination attempt leads to a page-plus discussion on Biblical texts relating to angels.

Citations from noted evangelical leaders (James Dobson, for example) serve more to indicate that the author is plugged into that community; they do not, however, give much illumination to Reagan. Since they don't add anything, they simply waste space.

While the book makes an attempt to link Reagan's foreign policy with his religious views, more time could have been spent making the same connection on the domestic front. Many people think that Christian charity requires government programs. I don't share that assessment, and neither did Reagan. What about Reagan's beliefs lead him to reject that association? A case can be made, but the author doesn't do it.

The book does have some value. The description of the assassination attempt and the medical aftermath was interesting; perhaps the author's medical training helped out here. I was unaware of the ecumenical nature (Catholic father and brother; Protestant mother) of his birth family. That experience may helped Reagan reach out to the pope as well as to evangelical protestant leaders. The interviews that Reagan gave in the 60s and earlier, dug out by the author, give this member of the faith the conviction that Reagan was a true believer, and not a poser who conveniently mouthed a belief system just in time for electoral success.

I have not read Paul Kengor's book on the same subject, but having seen him on C-SPAN, I suspect that he's given a more in-depth, better written treatment to this important question of Reagan the man, the president, and the Christian.

Good Introduction to Reagan
This book does not claim to offer an in-depth biography of Reagan, just an introduction to a frequently ignored but fundamental aspect of Reagan: his religious faith in God's plan for each individual. The book is personally inspiring because Reagan himself had his tough times: an alcoholic father, a broken engagement early on, a terrible death threat from Hollywood Communists, losing an infant child, an unexpected divorce, a disappointing movie career, and a tough loss to Gerald Ford for the 1976 Republican nomination. And yet throughout all of this, Reagan maintained his sense of destiny rooted in trust that, by God's providence, all would in the end turn out for the better. And it did.

On a more political level, the book has a chapter that captures a coalition that came into its own under Reagan and may very well decide the current presidential election: the coalition of evangelical Protestants and conservative Catholics. The Republican Party of today is unimaginable without that coalition. And all of that is owed to Ronald Reagan who, as the book points out, was uniquely situated to foster this new coalition, given his background with a Catholic father and an evangelical Protestant mother.

The book captures what is most important about Reagan, and for that it is well worth the price.

In light of Reagan's Death
When President Reagan died I felt that I wanted know more about his faith and family. This book gave me a rare peek into the very private life of President and Mrs. Reagan. It answered my questions, like if he has a strong faith in God why didn't he go to church. I highly recommend this book. It is a quick and easy read and highly informative. Michael Reagan wrote the forward, and he amazed me with his hearty endorsement of the book's conclusions. This book has even helped me sort out my own beliefs.

I am Not Enamored
I have to admit to being suspicious of a book that purports to plumb the depths of the faith of someone who rarely went to worship services for decades, and whose main demonstration of faith seemed to be his references to good versus evil (e.g., the Soviets), and his stated belief in Armageddon. However, it is clear that Mr. Reagan did have a belief structure to his life, which makes the examination thereof a not-unreasonable task.

However, I found this book to be overly-facile and simplistic. Further, I do not detect the depth of research that, in my view, one should bring to as important a subject as an ex-President of Reagan's stature. Like him or not, one must admit that Reagan presided over the executive branch during some momentous events and that, further, he had not-negligible skills as a President. But after reading this book, I must admit that I still don't understand either Reagan the man or Reagan the president any better, nor do I feel that I have many insights, if any, into how his faith played into his policy decisions.

I am afraid that, unlike the other reviewers, I cannot recommend this book. There is an excellent book waiting to be written on this topic, but this isn't it.

I must admit that, in light of the current effort to canonize Reagan, I am completely unsurprised that my review has received so many "unhelpful" votes. I guess anything less than 5 stars is going to get that.

A superb piece of work
This is a book with lots of heart and soul, but the research is also first rate. I highly recommend for Reagan fans and those interested in the power of God and inspiration. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Lots of Information but Leaves Something Out
This biography starts with a nice background into the things Roosevelt did early in his life. Then it focuses on the things that he did during his political year, especially as president. It goes into great detail of what Roosevelt did in enacting programs, how he achieved his legislative goals, and who the other players were. It is very thorough in who and what.

However, this book completely omits many the most importants aspects of Roosevelt and his presidency: the why. The book does not explain enough of what Roosevelt was trying to achieve - just that he decided to do this and that.

The book says almost nothing about the Great Depression itself or of America. You have no idea what Roosevelt's impact was. Readers should also read something on the Great Depression era, like "Since Yesterday."

You also learn very little about Roosevelt the person from the book. He was a very charming person who made an dignified Head of State impression to other nations. He was clever, and no two people agreed exactly as to what he was like or thought. He was famous for being clever and even giving people the wrong impression by nodding his head in agreement, and this book does not capture that.

In short, this is a good book about Roosevelt's detailed interactions but it tells almost nothing about Roosevelt the person, Eleanor Roosevelt, or the historical significance of his presidency.

One final thought. This is still a great book. The war period is excellent, and Friedel is definitely an unbiased and excellent historian. Just beware that the book leaves some important things out and adds in other unnecessary details.

This is a good book for anyone with a general history of the era already, but "Champion of Freedom by Black" by Black and "Franklin D. Roosevelt" by Leuchtenburg are better choices.

Excellent Book of a Great Man and American History
This was an excellent book about FDR, the Great Depression, World War Two, and America in the 20th century. Frank Freidel's writing is so smooth, detailed and enjoyable. According to the back cover, Friedel is Charles Warren Professor of American History Emeritus at Harvard University. Apparently it is regarded as the best one-volume book on Roosevelt. You will learn alot about that period of American history and Roosevelt.

Roosevelt is a little misunderstood. It seems to me he dealt with the serious problems before him and was, therefore, a practical man. The problems at that time required activist measures that seem very intelligent and mild by today's standards, and they have recieved universal acceptance by modern conservatives and everyone else. The problems he faced were 20%-35% of workers unemployed, farm industry crisis, banking crisis, idle factories, hunger, desolation, securities fraud, extreeme concentration of the wealth to a few, lack of even unemployment insurance for most americans, parts of the U.S. in third-world poverty status, rise of extreme political ideal in other parts of the world and the vulnerability of the U.S. to these ieas in time of crisis.

Here are the first sentences of the first two through four paragraphs: "Roosevelt came of age with firm roots in both the reform movements of the progressive era and the genteel Grover Cleveland conservatism of the late nineteenth century.... Eleanor Roosevelt was correct; in some ways Roosevelt was a nineteenth-century figure like Disraeli and the Tory aristocrats in Victorian England, so certain of themselves that they dared undertake reforms.... Roosevelt, optimistic by nature, never doubted the mission of the American people and their great destiny."

I thought the book was well written, yet very scholarly, so it may be a little demanding to read for some readers.

I found him very fascinating. He was a warm, down-to-earth man, and yet a clever politician. For the first time in many years he opened his press conferences to a causual give-and-take with reporters, as opposed to the required questions in writing by the previous presidents. He was multi-dimensional. The book goes into detail about his economic policies. The part I liked best was about his leadership in World War 2.

Fascinating!

From the back cover:

Doris Kearns Goodwin: "In this brilliant work, Friedel so vividly captures the fascinating complexity of Franklin D. Roosevelt's personality and the rich texture of his era that the reader feels magically transported back in time. It is a magnificently readable saga and deserves all the high praise it will get."

Otis L. Graham, Jr. Editor of Franklin D. Roosevelt, His Life and Times: An Encyclopedia: "One can only say, Bravo! He has completed his awesome task with this fast-paced summary volume, and sustained across this lifetime project a felicitous combination of sympathetic insight and critical judgement. The book caps a splendid achievement in biography and literature."

John S.D. Eisenhower: "In reading Professor Freidel's account of Franklin D. Roosevelt's role in World War II, I find him both illuminating and absorbing. I learned something new on each page."

John Kenneth Galbraith: "No one else has told so much in one volume. Good judgment and lucid prose are combined with the best of professional scholarship. Perhaps I can lay a special claim to judgment, for I am one of the diminishing band that was there."

Geoffrey C. Ward: "For more than four decades now, Frank Freidel has steeped himself in Franklin Roosevelt and his record, and his new one-volume biography is a fine distillation of all that he has learned. It provides a solid introduction to the mercurial, maddening but indisputably great man."

A good book, but disappointing.
Was FDR one of the four or five greatest American presidents, a man who worked tirelessly to alleviate the suffering caused by the Great Depression and who was instrumental in our victory in WWII, or was he a conniving manipulator who took unfair advantage of the fact that the depression started during his predecessor's term, and played politics with the suffering of millions in order to consolidate his and his party's power base, at the cost of establishing an entitlement culture that is even now, 60 years later, still sapping the vitality from the great American tradition of self-reliance?

If you have an opinion on the answer to this question going into this book, your answer will determine your opinion of the book, for the book is unquestionably (and unsurprisingly; biographers only rarely take the time to study and write about a subject they dislike) pro-Roosevelt. If you had no idea that such a question existed, this book certainly won't make you aware of it, and you may well find it a very valuable and informative biography. But if you, like me, were aware that the question existed and were undecided on the answer to it coming in, this book gives very little information to help resolve the debate, because it is so unshakably favorable that it discounts, rather than attempting to refute, the arguments defending an anti-Roosevelt viewpoint. As such, it is virtually impossible to judge, based on the information given here, the value of the man, because the information is simply not produced dispassionately enough.

Complete & complex.
This one volume biography of FDR is probably the best distillate possible, though the task is daunting and the result is less than perfect. At times, the book 'drags' a bit, particularly through the 30s. Explanations of New Deal politics perhaps don't lend themselves to the kind of exciting story-telling that wartime meetings at places such as Tehran and Yalta do. In fact, I sometimes felt the book lapsed into an economics textbook, but it is still mostly quite readable. Freidel does not editorialize much about his subject and so (fortunately) one is left to draw one's own conclusions about FDR.

Excellent Bio
The best one volume biography on America's greatest President. As a historian I higly recommend this tome. ... Read more

Book Description

The fascinating, nearforgotten tale of how Babe Ruth revolutionized baseball and became America's biggest hero, all in a single season

With World War I, the "Black Sox" scandal, and a dearth of home runs, 1920 looked like the end of baseball. Then, in a move forever known in Boston as the "Curse of the Bambino," Babe Ruth joined the Yankees. His timing was impeccable, and his season of seasons--with a record-breaking 54 home runs--was just the tonic America needed.

In Babe Ruth: Launching the Legend, baseball historian and critically acclaimed author Jim Reisler describes the remarkable impact Babe Ruth and the 1920 Yankees had on the game. Their brand of baseball was something never seen before, creating a level of excitement that rescued the game at its darkest hour. This is the story about that pivotal moment in baseball history, an era frozen in time, with Ruth on the verge of becoming a legend --and giving rise to the Yankees dynasty that endures to this day.

Reviews (1)

1920--A Pivotal Year in Baseball
While it is true 1920 is the year Babe Ruth began his assault on American League pitchers with his batting prowess as a member of the New York Yankees, the year also was known for the unraveling of the fixed 1919 World Series, the hiring of baseball's first commissioner, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, and the death of Cleveland Indians' shortstop Ray Chapman by one of Yankees' pitcher Carl Mays's submarine deliveries. It is often said the Babe's home run bat saved the game of baseball from the Black Sox Scandal, but people flocked to the park to see Ruth as a member of the Yankees in 1920 before the scandal broke in September of that year. The unfortunate death of Chapman is also dealt with in some detail. Carl Mays wa