Book Description

Considered one of the most important political figures of the 20th century, Franklin D. Roosevelt led the United States through 12 years of domestic and international disorder to its emergence as a transformed and modern world power. This compact study assesses Roosevelt's personality along with his political and economic policies in war and peace. The book also provides an overview of the America over which Roosevelt presided, offering a concise survey of both domestic and foreign affairs. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Compelling, but incomplete
This collection of letters written by Eleanor Roosevelt from 1943-1962 documents this remarkable woman's service to mankind, and the bottomless well of compassion and love that was at the center of her being.

Of particular interest is her unusual and unfulfilled romantic attachment to two men: the author, Joseph P. Lash, and a doctor she met on a trip to Switzerland, Dr. David Gurewitsch.

The letters reveal her devotion to her children, who were a source of frequent disappointment and frustration. They also are a testament to her unbelievable energy. Mrs. Roosevelt's travel schedule, even in her final years, would be a challenge to the youngest and heartiest of globetrotters.

The book does have weaknesses. The author seems to make the assumption that the reader is either familiar with his earlier books about the Roosevelts, or has some other source of knowledge about Mrs. Roosevelt's relationships to the persons to whom she writes in A World of Love.

More background information about the recipients of the letters is needed throughout, and this is particularly true in the case of Mrs. Roosevelt's relationship to Mr. Lash and his wife, Trude. Also, the two should be included in the picture sections of the book. Perhaps the fact that they are not is a sign of the author's modesty but, nevertheless, it is a definite oversight.

A World of Love is a worthwhile read for any admirer of one of history's most dynamic and selfless women. But this book could have been a world better if the narrative had included more information about the people who were fortunate enough to attract Eleanor Roosevelt's attention and affection. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

More than a biography: a view of New Deal politics
This book is often read as a biography, but it is more than that. It is in large part the story of Franklin Roosevelt's politics and policies,as he moved to the right after 1937 and especially mid-way through W.W. II, that shift reflected in the appointment of Leo Crowley, a conservative Democrat whose Irish heritage and banking background tended to protect him against charges of being pro-British. But there is more. The reader will learn that there was an economic war with the British during the armed war against the Axis in the 40s. ... Read more

Book Description

Drawn from the Hofstra University series of Presidential conferences, this volume collects a diverse set of essays that explore the life and times of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Treated in depth are Roosevelt's political beginnings and his life as a politician, the tumultuous World War II years, the New Deal and its legacy, and the political emergence of Eleanor Roosevelt in an era that saw few women in public life. "these papers provide a good sense of the complexity of the man, his policies, and some of the people who were personally and politically close to him. . . . It is of value to serious students of twentieth-century American history, as well as those interested in public policy and the presidency." Perspective ... Read more