The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt
by H.W. Brands
Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published in USA
Nov 2008
896 pages
Genre: Biography/Memoir
Publication Information
A sweeping, magisterial biography of the man generally considered the greatest president of the twentieth century, admired by Democrats and Republicans alike. Traitor to His Class sheds new light on FDR's formative years, his remarkable willingness to champion the concerns of the poor and disenfranchised, his combination of political genius, firm leadership, and matchless diplomacy in saving democracy in America during the Great Depression and the American cause of freedom in World War II.
Drawing on archival materials, public speeches, personal correspondence, and accounts by family and close associates, acclaimed bestselling historian and biographer H. W. Brands offers a compelling and intimate portrait of Roosevelt’s life and career.
Brands explores the powerful influence of FDR’s dominating mother and the often tense and always unusual partnership between FDR and his wife, Eleanor, and her indispensable contributions to his presidency. Most of all, the book traces in breathtaking detail FDR’s revolutionary efforts with his New Deal legislation to transform the American political economy in order to save it, his forceful—and cagey—leadership before and during World War II, and his lasting legacy in creating the foundations of the postwar international order.
Traitor to His Class brilliantly captures the qualities that have made FDR a beloved figure to millions of Americans.
"It is fitting that Roosevelt commands the amount of scholarly attention that he does, but sad that so much is wholly redundant with what has come before." - Publishers Weekly.
"Highly recommended for all libraries." - Library Journal.
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Henry William
Brands was born in Portland, Oregon, where he lived
until he went to California for college. He attended
Stanford University and studied history and mathematics.
After graduating he became a traveling salesman, with a
territory that spanned the West from the Pacific to
Colorado. His wanderlust diminished after several trips
across the Great Basin, and he turned to sales of a
different sort, namely teaching. For nine years he
taught mathematics and history in high school and
community college. Meanwhile he resumed his formal
education, earning graduate degrees in mathematics and
history, concluding with a doctorate in history from the
University of Texas at ...
... Full Biography
Author Interview
Link to H.W. Brands's Website
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