FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT: THE ORDEAL

by Frank Freidel ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 28, 1953

The second of a projected six volume biography, based largely on the papers and records in the Hyde Park Library collection. The first volume, The Apprenticeship carried through the years as assistant secretary of the Navy; this goes back only enough to pick up the threads of the last part of that era, and forward to the election as Governor of New York. It seemed slow in getting under way, overburdened with footnote references, and lacking the zest and freshness of the first volume. Perhaps because this period has been covered in greater detail and more often. However, about one quarter through, the telling gathers momentum, and the overwhelming vitality of Roosevelt's personality carries it along. There is some material that will have news value for many- some must be put down to conclusions drawn. Roosevelt's business career had a good deal of new material, for most readers, with indications of some of the lack of balance that came out in his later career. But the long period of battle against polio- and the personal and spiritual victory- is never stale. Changing attitudes and growth in the man are evident throughout and add stature to any portrait.

Pub Date: Jan. 28, 1953

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1953

Categories: NONFICTION