FDR

FDR is a comprehensive biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, covering his life from privileged childhood through his presidency during the Great Depression and World War II. Smith draws on extensive research and primary sources to construct a complete portrait of the 32nd president. The biography tracks Roosevelt's evolution as a leader, including his early political career, battle with polio, and emergence as a national figure. The narrative provides context for his major policy decisions and examines his relationships with Eleanor Roosevelt, key advisers, and political allies and opponents. This detailed account focuses on Roosevelt's presidential years, exploring the New Deal programs, his leadership style, and his management of domestic and international challenges. Smith includes analysis of FDR's decision-making process and the development of his political philosophy over time. The book presents Roosevelt as a pragmatic leader who transformed both the presidency and the nation through crisis and war. Smith's work illuminates the connections between Roosevelt's personal experiences and his approach to governing, revealing how his background shaped his vision for America.

Readers praise this biography as comprehensive and readable, with strong coverage of FDR's leadership during the Depression and WWII. Many note Smith's balanced portrayal, showing both FDR's political skills and personal flaws. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex New Deal policies and wartime decisions - Rich details about FDR's personal life and relationships - Extensive use of primary sources and letters - Smooth narrative flow despite dense subject matter Dislikes: - Some sections on economic policy can be dry - Less coverage of Eleanor Roosevelt than expected - A few readers wanted more analysis of FDR's health decline Ratings: Goodreads: 4.39/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (280+ ratings) Sample review: "Smith strikes the right balance between scholarly research and engaging storytelling. He doesn't shy away from FDR's mistakes but puts them in context of his achievements." - Goodreads reviewer

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🗸 The author, Jean Edward Smith, wrote this definitive FDR biography without ever having access to personal diaries - because Roosevelt never kept one, believing they could be politically dangerous. 🗸 The book reveals that Eleanor Roosevelt learned of FDR's death before it was publicly announced, not from official channels, but from their daughter Anna, who was with him in Warm Springs. 🗸 Smith's research shows that FDR deliberately concealed the severity of his paralysis - press photographers cooperated by agreeing not to photograph him in his wheelchair or being carried. 🗸 Despite being over 800 pages long, the book was so well-received that it became a finalist for the 2008 Pulitzer Prize in Biography. 🗸 Though known for his New Deal programs, the book documents that FDR actually ran on a platform of reducing government spending when first elected in 1932, showing his dramatic evolution as a leader.