FDR

I did not think l would like this book as l had little interest in the man or the era. But l was at once absorbed into this fascinating story of a man who rode his luck and connections. But he was also a great politician, a smart operator on many levels and a great reader of others. His relationship with Churchill is particularly well drawn and gives a real insight into the power-broking which went on around these great men and Stalin. If l have a criticism it is that it all seems a bit rushed at the end, as if his decline and death were almost an afterthought. No do you get much, if any, of what went on with Truman - maybe the answer is, as with many VPs, not much! Well written, well paced and well researched l would recommend anyone, even those with passing interest to dip into this life of the only man to be elected President three times.

This is a long book, but it is a surprisingly easy read and full of interesting detail about the life of FD Roosevelt. I had been interested in this key US president both because of his often forgotten (in the UK) contribution to the war effort and the remarkable impact of the 'New Deal' in 1930s America that turned the country around following the depression. It is also a good way to get into the complexity of US politics. For anyone interested in this period of US history, this is a great read.

There was a load of hoo-hah when Obama got elected due to the colour of his skin. They are ahead of us Brits on that one. Same for disability. President Roosevelt got himself elected over 80 years ago from a wheelchair, and hardly anybody noticed. Those were the days. Of course they didn't have 24 hour 'news' following everybody everywhere up to and including bathroom back then, but still the lack of vast libraries of photos showing a man in a wheelchair must be a staggering achievement. I suppose coming from a privileged background might have helped, as did having another president in the family (albeit a looney one), but its hard to imagine it being repeated even now. So have we really advanced that much? The book ends a bit abruptly. Biographies always have sad endings, ie the subject dies. But this chap died on 12 April 1945, less than a month before his nemesis Hitler died and the war ended. So a bit of continuity would not have been amiss. But a good read for all that.

This is NOT the book for someone who wants a quick summary of FDR's life and achievements. But if you're really interested in his life and work this is a terrific read. It's also a properly annotated book with extensive bibliography and additional notes for those who want to research further. It's also well written and captures the spirit of the man who was arguably the greatest President America ever had.

Just finished this fine biography and found it a very compelling read. J.E. Smith has the ability to make drying paint sound interesting and F.D Roosevelt like other brilliant politicians spent a lot of time in a mundane environment dealing with humdrum issues and disputes. This makes for a comprehensive study of the great man without the pain.

Looking forward to reading about one of Americas greatest presidents

Straight-forward biography, crisply told at a consistent level of focus on the significant, not the trivial, detail in FDR’s very eventful personal and public life. Relevant context also well-described again in just the right amount of detail. The book looks lengthy, but the pages fly by. Another great work by a hard-working author who will be much missed. ,

Excellent up until FDR's death. Nothing said about family reaction or the nation's really. Would have been interesting to have learnt a little bit more hence the four instead of five stars.