“Just when you thought you knew everything about Franklin D. Roosevelt, think again. Joseph E. Persico [is] one of America’s finest historians. . . . You can’t properly understand FDR the man without reading this landmark study.”—Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at Rice University “Persico’s exploration of FDR’s emotional life is fascinating.”—USA TodayIn Franklin and Lucy, acclaimed author … Today
In Franklin and Lucy, acclaimed author and historian Joseph E. Persico explores FDR’s romance with Lucy Rutherfurd. Persico’s provocative conclusions about their relationship are informed by a revealing range of sources, including never-before-published letters and documents from Lucy Rutherfurd’s estate that attest to the intensity of the affair, which lasted much longer than was previously acknowledged.FDR’s connection with Lucy also creates an opportunity for Persico to take a more penetrating look at the other women in FDR’s life. We come to see more clearly how FDR’s infidelity contributed to Eleanor Roosevelt’s eventual transformation from a repressed Victorian to perhaps the greatest American woman of her century; how FDR’s strong-willed mother helped to strengthen his resolve in overcoming personal and public adversity; and how both paramours and platonic friends completed the world that FDR inhabited. In focusing on Lucy Rutherfurd and the other women who mattered to Roosevelt, Persico renders the most intimate portrait yet of an enigmatic giant of American history.
Praise for Franklin and Lucy
“Persico is judicious in his treatment of these sensitive matters. . . . He understands that Lucy Mercer helped FDR awaken his capacity for love and compassion, and thus helped him become the man to whom the nation will be eternally in debt.”—The Washington Post Book World
“A stylish and well-written book filled with interesting characters, marital dramas and spylike subterfuge.”—Chicago Tribune
“A powerful narrative that rarely fails to pull you along to the next chapter.”—Louisville Courier-Journal
“Utterly absorbing.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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This is a well-researched study of one of the most complicated and unfulfilling marriages in American history. The paths that both Eleanor and Franklin pursued are placed in a light that allows the reader to sympathize with these larger-than-life individual’s needs.
Many things I had heard about these people were confirmed. I learned new things about the lives of the Roosevelt and the many people within their circle. The book was interesting and didn’t get bogged down in too much detail or politics.
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I thought about them for days.
Great history of our leaders and how they got to where they were .
Couldn’the put it down. FDR was such a fascinating man.
Very informative. Good read about Roosevelt’s life
Very interesting and informative book how his mother shaped his life and impacted his relationship with Eleanor. Most interesting were the other women involved in his life romantically and sexually after his marriage. Excellent book, slow in parts but so good! Enjoyed visiting his library and home following the book.
Very well written.
I have read accounts of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and I was curious about the information from Franklin’s vantage point. It seemed to be accurate or at least correlate to the facts as I have read before. I found it intriguing and I enjoyed getting to know the president and what made him tick. I try to remember that it was a different world then …
I liked it. It made me want to read more about the Roosevelt’s and I have.
This book was honest in every way with much documentation but shocking none the less. I was born during this time & thought I knew all the basics about the lives of the President & the First lady. I have visited both Hyde Park & Warm Springs & had heard rumors about both of them but treated them exactly like that – rumors. So it was shocking to …
I loved it !!! He was a great president but very human!!! I dont think our presidents should have affairs but you could understand why it happened!!