“Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom” by Conrad Black is a substantial 2003 biography of FDR. Black, a Canadian-born former media magnate and author, has had his own legal entanglements. His encounter with the U.S. legal system is the subject of his recent book “A Matter of Principle.”

Black’s FDR biography is remarkable in its scope and size, weighing in at 1,134 pages and about four pounds. It’s clear the author conducted exhaustive research, having read the memoirs and biographies of major players in Roosevelt’s life.

The result is a comprehensive and almost encyclopedic review of FDR’s life. From his ancestry to his final months, it’s hard to envision a single-volume biography covering FDR more thoroughly. Despite rumors of the author’s fondness for Roosevelt, the book is surprisingly balanced.

However, the writing style is not particularly elegant or easy to understand. It’s matter-of-fact and detail-rich, with esoteric language. The flow is uneven, and some chapters require more patience than others.

One of the book’s weaknesses is the overwhelming amount of facts, anecdotes, and observations. The blizzard of detail often muddies rather than clarifies issues. Black presents a dizzying array of facts without distinguishing the important from the trivial.

Thoughtful introductions, overarching themes, or chapter summaries could have alleviated this problem, but Black rarely provides the bigger picture. He is too focused on the details to see the broader landscape.

Another disappointment is the lack of humanization in relationships and descriptions of events. FDR’s relationships with his mother, Churchill, and Mercer are described with little care or excitement.

Overall, Black’s book is a comprehensive and thorough review of FDR’s life and legacy. Patient scholars will enjoy it, but presidential enthusiasts may find it daunting, and the rewards may not match the book’s size. Overall rating: 3½ stars.

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Gripping and sensitive analysis

This type of analysis has the power to truly engage and move the reader. It delves deep into the subject matter, uncovering hidden details and emotions. The writer presents a unique perspective that is both thought-provoking and captivating.

With a sensitive approach, the analysis takes into account the various nuances and subtleties of the topic. It shows an understanding and empathy for the different viewpoints and experiences involved.

The gripping nature of the analysis keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to discover more. It builds suspense and anticipation, making it difficult to put down.

Overall, a gripping and sensitive analysis is a powerful tool for exploring complex ideas and emotions. It has the ability to touch the hearts and minds of the readers, leaving a lasting impression.

A Superb Biography: Unveiling the Most Important and Greatest American of the Twentieth Century

This biography is an absolute gem. It delves deep into the life and times of the individual who is widely regarded as the most significant and influential American of the twentieth century. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous research, the author brings this remarkable figure to life.

Reading this biography is not just an opportunity to learn about one person's journey; it is a must-read for anyone who wishes to truly understand America's position in the world during that crucial era. The events and decisions that shaped this individual's life had far-reaching consequences, not only for the United States but for the entire global community.

Whether you are a history buff, a student of American politics, or simply someone interested in learning more about the forces that have shaped our modern world, this biography is an essential addition to your library. Prepare to be captivated by the story of a true icon and gain a new perspective on America's role in the twentieth century.

A well-written and concise book about our 32nd president, FDR, offers a captivating exploration of his life and presidency.

FDR, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was a remarkable leader who led the United States through some of its most challenging times.

This book delves into his early years, his political rise, and his significant achievements.

It provides insights into his New Deal policies, which aimed to combat the Great Depression and bring about economic recovery.

Readers will learn about FDR's leadership style, his ability to inspire the nation, and his impact on American history.

The concise nature of the book makes it accessible to a wide range of readers, while the well-written prose ensures an engaging and informative read.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about one of America's greatest presidents, this book is a must-read.

This book is truly excellent and encyclopedic. It takes the reader on an almost day-by-day journey through the life of FDR. I must admit, however, that I got somewhat bogged down in the details of the 1930s legislation. Nevertheless, following along at the measured pace of this long book has given me, by the end, a very strong impression of Roosevelt's manner and personality. I have also gained a better understanding of his importance and impact on both the US and the world. I read the book slowly, just a few pages a day over lunch. And now that I'm done, I think that I'll really miss him. It's as if I've come to know him personally through these pages. His leadership, his vision, and his determination have all left a lasting mark on me. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history or politics.

The text is extremely densely written, to the point where it often feels as if there is an overwhelming abundance of minute details.

This excessive detail can make it difficult for the reader to fully engage with and understand the core message.

Moreover, the text suffers from Black's constant editorializing. Black seems to be inserting his own opinions and interpretations at every turn, which detracts from the overall narrative.

Rather than allowing the story or information to speak for itself, the constant editorializing can come across as intrusive and may cause the reader to question the objectivity of the text.

As a result, the combination of the dense writing and the constant editorializing makes the text a challenging read and may prevent the reader from fully appreciating its potential value.

This is truly one of the most in-depth biographies ever penned about FDR. Conrad Black offers a comprehensive and objective perspective on one of the men who molded the twentieth century, leaving no aspect unexplored.

In a historical context, "FDR" evokes both inspiration and a tinge of regret, considering the highs and lows of Roosevelt's twelve-plus years in office, ranging from the New Deal to the fateful event of Pearl Harbor. This book vividly narrates how Roosevelt steered the nation from its darkest hour to its greatest moment of triumph.

From a personal standpoint, you get to know FDR as a man; his childhood, his personal life, his family, and his well-known flamboyant personality.

I, being a history enthusiast, was not daunted by the sheer magnitude of this book. Nevertheless, reading the 1300+ pages requires a significant investment of time. If you're not wholeheartedly interested in FDR, you might struggle to get through the first few chapters, which mainly deal with his family history and childhood. Personally, I derived great pleasure from reading this book.

An Exhaustive Biography of a Truly Powerful and Great President

The author of this biography is clearly an admirer of this remarkable man. FDR is firmly placed in the pantheon of great presidents, right alongside Washington and Lincoln. This work provides a detailed and in-depth look at the life and achievements of FDR.

It is a very good read that offers valuable insights into the leadership and vision of this great president. The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in American history or the study of great leaders.

In our time, we could truly benefit from another FDR. His ability to lead the nation through difficult times and his commitment to social justice and reform are qualities that are sorely needed today.

This biography serves as a reminder of the great leaders who have come before us and the impact they have had on our country. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history and evolution of the United States.

Conrad Black is a remarkable historian, and his writing is truly a pleasure to read. I recently completed his book on FDR, which consisted of 1134 pages. It took me quite a while to get through it, but it was well worth the effort.

Black writes about FDR in a very candid and helpful way. Through his detailed account, I now know a great deal more about the man than I ever did before. The book provides a comprehensive look at FDR's life, from his early years to his presidency and the events that shaped his leadership.

I initially read the first half of the book more than a year ago and stopped just before the build-up to WWII. I then resumed reading a couple of months ago. Given the vast amount of information to digest about FDR, I would highly recommend taking your time with this book.

Overall, this is a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It offers valuable insights into one of the most important presidents in American history and is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, history, or leadership.

A very thorough biography, indeed. It seems that every single detail has been meticulously recorded and presented. However, despite its comprehensiveness, it is thoroughly unreadable. The writing style is dry and lacks any sort of engaging element. The author seems to have been more concerned with getting all the facts down than with making the story come alive.

I managed to struggle through 300+ pages before finally throwing in the towel and giving it a DNF (Did Not Finish). It's a real shame because the subject matter itself is quite interesting. But unfortunately, the execution leaves a lot to be desired.

Maybe if the author had taken a more creative approach or added some personal anecdotes, it would have been a more enjoyable read. As it stands, it's just a tedious slog through a mountain of information.

A very thorough look at the life of one of our most important American presidents is presented in this book.

It is indeed well written and documented, with every detail carefully researched and presented.

However, it is so long that it required some determination on my part to finish it.

This was a bit of a mixed blessing.

On one hand, the book and I became companions for quite a while as I delved into the story of this great man.

By slowly working through his life, I developed a sense that I was really getting to know him on a deeper level.

It was as if I was walking in his footsteps and experiencing his triumphs and challenges.

On the other hand, the length of the book could be a deterrent for some readers.

But I firmly believe that the book is well worth the effort it takes to read it.

It offers a wealth of knowledge and insights into the life and times of an important historical figure, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in American history.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who has an interest in comprehending the crucial significance of the Presidency within our representative democracy. Conrad Black has, arguably, penned the definitive single-volume biography of one of the three greatest Presidents to have ever held that office.

By presenting an objective evaluation of Franklin D. Roosevelt in all his humanity, Black guides the reader to an incisive understanding not only of FDR's outstanding qualifications for the Presidency but also of the impact that his victory, achieved through sheer force of will and gracious dignity over his debilitating handicap, had on shaping his character as a man and statesman. It was this very character that empowered him to lead our nation from the abyss of economic depression to victory as the leader of the Allied Powers in WWII and ultimately as the leader of the free world into our present era.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, by assisting us in better understanding the challenges confronted by FDR and his performance as President, Conrad Black helps us better fathom the momentous social, economic, and political challenges of our own time. "Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom" is a story so captivating and skillfully written that it leaves the reader with a longing to read it again upon completion.