ROOSEVELT AND HOPKINS

by Robert E. Sherwood ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 20, 1948

The news value of this important book has already been established through the serialization and abridgement in Colliers. But no appearance in concentrated form could take the place of the full document- over 1000 pages- with its terrific impact. Not only is it a brilliant synthesis of the Harry Hopkins papers, but it is as exciting a history of the story behind the war as we have yet had. It makes the Stimson and the Hull biographies seem pedestrian and dull; it is infinitely greater in scope and just as intimate and revealing as the Byrnes' book; and the style is a composite of a first rate dramatist and first rate journalist. Hopkins emerges in his relation to Roosevelt as not an originator, but as a sounding board- a vital function with a man of brilliant creative imagination, unrivalled drive and force, abounding faith in the people. Hopkins was much more than the ""messenger boy"" he defined himself; he had an amazing capacity for getting quickly at the root of whatever he undertook -- from the days of WPA and PWA on through the years of closest association with Roosevelt to his final contribution to world history in the memorable five conferences with Stalin which probably saved the San Francisco Conference. History is a dramatic backdrop for this study of the making of policies, the handling of crises, the building of international relationships, diplomacy on the highest plane. Much of what is revealed challenges the charges made of secret treaties, commitments, ""deals"". Vitally important as primary source material on such questions as the occupation of Berlin, the veto and voting procedures, the promises made to Russia, and so on, this is MUST reading for every informed citizen who would know, as nearly as possible, first hand facts about what really happened. In reading even those parts that have been told many times, one reads with a sense of a new light on old issues. Certain to be a widely discussed book-widely read. Roosevelt baiters wont like it, for --while never apologetic -- Sherwood somehow manages to reenforce the greatness of the man and his contribution to world history. And Hopkins' relations with Roosevelt seem strangely to parallel the Wilson-House association, with perhaps even greater scope, more dramatic values.

Pub Date: Oct. 20, 1948

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1948

Categories: NONFICTION