“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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Just when you thought you knew everything about Franklin D. Roosevelt, think again. One of America’s finest historians. . . . You can’t properly understand FDR the man without reading this landmark study.
Interesting but too drawn out for me.
Fascinating.
As a history buff I found this book very informative. I was surprised at the similarities between FDR and our current president. Read it, you’ll see what I mean.
I learned a lot about this great president
I think this book would be best suited to someone who is passionate about the Roosevelts and wants every little detail of their family history. I found it tedious.
Boring
I have read quite a bit about Roosevelt’s life. The focus of this book, on the private lives and relationships of both Franklin and Eleanor was very interesting. I gained insight into how their separate private relationships impacted each of them.
real insight into a legend in US history – what a sorry personal life both he and Eleanor had – so lonely and tragic – but the lived up to the best
I admired the man as president but did not know how was his personal life.
I learned a lot about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their relationship with each other and with other people in their lives. Very interesting but was slow reading in a few areas.
Learned more about history than I knew before – and had fun doing it!! He was a fascinating man who surrounded himself with fascinating women. Enjoy!!
An interesting view of the president’s mistress and her role. Do not feel sorry for her or him besides being in love , they used each other. It is like a reality show- rich, charismatic man raises poor little waif to high heights without any benefits. If you like this period you will enjoy reading this book.
This shows you in great detail the kind of man FDR was as well as Eleanor. The life they built together and apart is fascinating and tragic. History could have turned out so much differently if these two had divorced. Thankfully they did not.
A lot of new information for a Roosevelt fan.
Most books on FDR are biographies and tend to read like history books. This book gives a human aspect to FDR and his affair with Lucy Mercer and the resulting rift with his wife Eleanor.
It gives a behind the facade look at two larger than life people FDR and Eleanor. Puts context on their unique relationship.
historical
I was totally engaged with the whole story of wealth, politics, and compromising morals. Never let it be said that our White House is lily white. . . A brilliant controller who changed America forever. A very disclosing view of a huge ego which knew no bounds regardless of physical constraints. A sad story, but one which needs to be read.
Fascinating look at the “behind the scenes” of Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelts marriage.