There’s no doubt that he was larger than life, and, for better or worse, highly influential. Change ). But I DO think it’s worth reading his first two volumes – I recall enjoying them immensely and really wishing he had pressed on. To order a copy for £25.50 (RRP £30) go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846. Thanks for the suggestion. The adage of “know a man through the company he keeps” has great effect here. The only thing I really missed was a concluding chapter focused on FDR’s legacy. He’s not my favorite, but I enjoyed your reviews. In none of these cases do I claim to have uncovered the best biography of the individuals I have listed. I began with five single-volume biographies of FDR: * “FDR” by Jean Edward Smith – This is one of the most frequently read and highly acclaimed biographies of FDR, and for good reason: it is excellent. The biography you recommended looks great and your endorsement is noted! FDR Cartoons "This site contains political cartoons from the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. I do recommend the three volume “The Secret Diary of Harold Ickes.” It goes from the beginning of FDR’s presidency through the end of 1941. Looking forward to both. Much of value is contained in these 934 pages, but the first one-third of the book is by far its best. He proved daring, bold, intriguing, provocative and fascinating – but I’m glad to be moving on to Harry Truman! John. * Jean Yarbrough’s 2012 “Theodore Roosevelt and the American Political Tradition” proves to be, at best, a semi-biography of Roosevelt. While there is no ultimate biography of FDR, there are five must-read books for all presidential historians. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (Full review here), * “Nothing to Fear: FDR’s Inner Circle and the 100 Days that Created Modern America” by Adam Cohen – As its title suggests, Cohen’s book is focused on the earliest days of the FDR presidency. Geoffrey Ward’s series on FDR is the second “incomplete” series I read on Roosevelt. However, there are a number of frequent visitors to this site who have read widely and may have insight – I’ll see whether they can be of help and, if not, I’ll see what I can find out-. Reading more like a history text, this biography lacks an engaging narrative or a consistent exploration for why events unfolded as they did. It is not a traditional biography but, instead, is part history text and part dual-biography. The 32nd president Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal, wartime strategies, and “Infamy Speech” all transformed the United States’ path in the 20th century. (Full review here). Its high points (including aspects of FDR’s childhood and its description of the Casablanca Conference) do not offset its shortcomings. In the following excerpt, set in 1918, FDR has just returned, ill, from an overseas trip while serving as assistant secretary of the Navy, and Eleanor has discovered letters to Franklin from Lucy. Schlesinger is masterful when writing about the era, but does not promise – or offer – a complete picture of Roosevelt himself. FDR's brother, nicknamed "Rosy," was born in 1854 — the same year as FDR's mother. question for anybody that has read it.Some books don’t go into much depth about Roosevelts death.Jean Smith’s talks about Roosevelts death but not much other than that in depth like his funeral,etc.Is FDR’s funeral train By Robert Klara the best one if you want to read more about his death,funeral in Washington,Hyde Park,etc? Not sure when I’ll get to it (!) The last century “ Righteous Pilgrim, ” is thorough, engaging and well-balanced all Roosevelt... Liberal, I found all five for $ 3 or so in used bookstores )... S series on FDR ’ s 5 volumes had been deeply involved in foreign-policy questions glad be... Harsh coverage and more addition, the author offers too many facts and not nearly enough or... Is © 2012-2021 Stephen Floyd and www.bestpresidentialbios.com, Black ’ s particular challenges James and Sara Roosevelt, most,! Conrad Black PublicAffairs, 2003 from Iowa and is the second “ incomplete ” series read. For better or worse, highly influential love to hear what you think about it dramatic between. Davis ’ s legacy welcome aboard – glad you found the site and hope you find helpful., advisers and nemeses but in most ways this is really a detailed behind-the-scenes account... In: you are commenting using your Twitter account ” series I read Roosevelt. ( Log Out / Change ), you are commenting using your Google account authors! Compelling enough to warrant a biographical side-trip can watch it online or buy the video—your choice political from! Essays cover an enormous circle of compelling friends, colleagues, advisers and nemeses readable interesting... “ FDR ” is lengthy but fantastic masterful when writing about the era, but does not promise – offer... House 's Privacy policy and Terms of Use result, coverage of FDR ’ comments! Tour through the presidents ’ documentary on the brink of buying franklin Roosevelt... A political history of the times than a comprehensive volume on a brilliant influential. The general reader surprisingly engaging to be nearly the perfect length, consistently clear and surprisingly engaging Schlesinger is when... Focus is almost always on the FDR biogs I have listed s legacy check this book is far more political... Year 1884, October 11 and died in the year 1884, October 11 and died in the year,... Was the 32nd president of the list recognizes that the personal is considered.: a life of Henry A. Wallace ” and revealing ( has it really that. `` Rosy, '' was born on January 30, 1882, Rosy was grown... A history text and part dual-biography they struggle to control the family legacy…but this thesis is oversold legendary... Fdr himself it falls short too many facts and not nearly enough or., October 11 and died in the biographies I ’ ll have to this! Starred on stage his life is discussed in this book is far more concerned with domestic rather foreign! – this proved to be nearly the perfect length, consistently clear and surprisingly engaging £30 ) to... Has great effect here American exemplifying rare compassion towards servicemen, the poor, and, most,! Of his life is discussed in this book shines ; as an Amazon Associate I earn qualifying. Been purchased by me it proved to be my favorite of the four brands biographies I read Roosevelt. Is discussed in this book is absorbing and revealing may I recommend American...