One of the most remarkable books of the 20th century, it truly delves into the story of FDR with an astonishing level of detail.

This book takes the reader on an in-depth journey through the life and times of Franklin D. Roosevelt. It explores his early years, his political rise, and the many challenges he faced during his presidency.

The author has painstakingly researched every aspect of FDR's life, from his personal relationships to his major policy decisions. The result is a comprehensive and engaging account that brings this iconic figure to life.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about one of the most important presidents in American history, this book is a must-read. It offers a unique perspective on FDR and his impact on the United States and the world.

With its detailed narrative and vivid descriptions, it is sure to capture your attention and keep you turning the pages.

Overall, this book is a testament to the power of great storytelling and the importance of understanding our past. It is a valuable addition to any library and a book that you will not soon forget.

A comprehensive and behemoth biography of FDR is presented, and perhaps another one is not necessary.

However, there is one minor criticism. Black seems to describe WW2 in a rather general manner to such an extent that it starts to feel off-topic.

Undoubtedly, WW2 is of utmost importance for understanding FDR's overall position. But with a bit of editing, this work could have easily received 5 stars.

The details and events of WW2 are crucial in shaping FDR's presidency and his impact on the nation and the world.

Perhaps a more focused and targeted approach to presenting the relevant aspects of WW2 in relation to FDR would have enhanced the clarity and coherence of the biography.

Nevertheless, despite this small flaw, the biography still offers a wealth of information and insights into the life and times of FDR.

It provides a comprehensive overview of his political career, his leadership during challenging times, and his contributions to the United States.

Overall, it is a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about FDR and his significance in American history.

As Americans, there are three great Presidents we all have an obligation to know: (1) George Washington, (2) Abraham Lincoln, and (3) Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Washington created America, Lincoln preserved America, and FDR transformed America.

At the start of FDR's Presidency, America was a broke, desolate, and failing state. However, by the end of his Presidency, America had become the undisputed military and economic leader of the free world and a co-savior of western civilization.

It is truly a remarkable phenomenon. Perhaps one in 7 billion could be found who was so perfectly suited to an age's needs. And to think he was a handicapped man at a time when handicapped people were viewed as liabilities. Just as he transformed America, he also turned his handicap into a strength. He said that to one who spent six months lying on his back trying to move one toe, nothing is difficult.

Looking over his four terms, there are four grand achievements. First, with Churchill, he saved western civilization. When WWII broke out, America was an isolationist country. FDR reshaped public opinion, prepared the country to join the war effort, and led it like no other war President. There were few losses aside from the surprise Pearl Harbor attack and a temporary setback in the Philippines. His command appointments were all excellent - Marshall, Nimitz, MacArthur, King, and Eisenhower. He authorized the creation of atomic energy, insisted on the Doolittle air raid that created the momentum for victory at Midway, pushed for the channel crossing and D-Day against British reluctance, conceived the Torch landings in North Africa, insisted on the Anvil invasion of southern France, decided to retake the Philippines, and guided America to become the greatest military power ever seen.

Second, FDR foresaw the threat of Stalin's dictatorship and created the Allied post-war order that led to the UN and NATO, contained communism, and made the world safe for democracy.

Third, FDR's political power was unmatched. In 12 years as President, his only defeats were a SCOUS packing bill and limited success in a 1938 political purge. These are minor compared to his numerous electoral and legislative successes.

Fourth, FDR brought America out of its immature shell and out of the Great Depression. He reinvented the role of the state and capitalism, repealed prohibition, created the New Deal, resurrected the banking industry, created deposit guarantees, social security, and the GI bill, and proved Marxism wrong by adding child labor laws, minimum wages, a 40-hour work week, and workplace safety laws.

Lastly, I must say a word about Conrad Black. This book was nearly 1200 pages of small font. Conrad was clearly a conservative and had his biases, but thankfully, unlike the radical right of today, he did not cherry-pick his facts. The book is comprehensively detailed. I will not read another Black history, but just as I enjoyed Lane Fox's history on St. Augustine with Lane being an atheist, I enjoyed this fair conservative take on FDR.

An interesting and exhaustive tome on the 32nd President has been presented. I consider him as one of the best US Presidents. This is simply because of his remarkable feat of initiating so many social programs. What's more, he did this without veering too far to the left or towards communism. However, the reading experience could have been more enjoyable. This is because the author chose to focus on every minuscule detail of FDR's life. It sometimes makes the narrative a bit cumbersome. But still, the book provides a comprehensive look into the life and times of this great leader. It offers valuable insights into his policies and the impact they had on the nation. Overall, it is a worthy read for those interested in US history and the presidency.

Book strips the Hollywood myth version of who FDR was and gives us a concise background of the politician who climbed over the careers of many associates to become the most powerful President known in America.

It presents a more realistic and unvarnished portrayal of FDR.

Often, Hollywood has a tendency to romanticize and distort historical figures, but this book aims to set the record straight.

By delving into the details of FDR's political rise, it shows how he navigated the complex world of American politics, sometimes at the expense of his associates.

This account is not a gilded one, but rather a brutally honest look at the man who led the United States through some of its most challenging times.

It offers valuable insights into FDR's character, his policies, and the impact he had on the nation.

For those interested in American history and the true story of FDR, this book is a must-read.

It provides a refreshingly different perspective that challenges the traditional narrative and forces us to reevaluate our understanding of this iconic President.

Excellent book about FDR!

This is an outstanding book that delves deep into the life and times of Franklin D. Roosevelt. It provides a comprehensive and detailed account of his presidency, his policies, and his impact on the United States and the world. The author has done an excellent job of researching and presenting the material in an engaging and accessible way.

However, it is important to keep a dictionary handy while reading this book. There are some words and phrases that may be unfamiliar to the average reader, especially those who are not well-versed in history or politics. But don't let that deter you from reading this excellent book. The knowledge and insights you will gain from it are well worth the effort.

An exhaustive and penetrating treatment of not just the events and accomplishments for which FDR is well known, Black's work revealed the complexities, anachronisms, and contradictions that were part of this most political man's upbringing, character, and presidency.

FDR was a man of many contradictions. On one hand, he was a patrician who came from a wealthy and privileged background. On the other hand, he was a champion of the common man and a proponent of social welfare programs.

His presidency was marked by both great achievements and significant failures. He led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II, but his New Deal policies were not without controversy.

Despite his flaws, FDR was a courageous leader who faced his personal physical challenges with grace and determination. He was a visionary who recognized the need for change and was willing to take bold action to address the nation's problems.

Today, nearly 80 years after FDR's death, his legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans. His commitment to social justice, his leadership in times of crisis, and his unwavering belief in the power of government to make a difference serve as a reminder of what is possible when leaders have the courage to act.

Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.

An outstanding one-volume biography of FDR awaits you. The research within is truly exquisite, delving deep into the life and times of this remarkable president. The writing is of the highest caliber, captivating the reader from the very first page.

Although this biography is rather long, consisting of a hefty 1134 pages, every single page is worth its weight in gold. It offers a comprehensive and detailed account of FDR's political career, his personal life, and the historical events that shaped his presidency.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about one of the most influential figures in American history, this biography is a must-read. It will transport you back in time and give you a newfound appreciation for the man and his legacy.

Didn't finish.

The task of reading 1000 pages that referenced countless people and events I had no prior knowledge of was simply overwhelming.

It felt like an insurmountable mountain of information.

Each page seemed to bring a new and unfamiliar name or incident, making it difficult to keep track and fully understand the context.

I found myself getting lost in the sea of details, constantly having to refer back to previous pages or look up additional information.

The sheer volume of content was just too much for my brain to handle at once.

I started to feel frustrated and defeated, realizing that I might not be able to complete this task within the given time frame.

However, I also knew that giving up wasn't an option.

So, I decided to take it one page at a time, trying to absorb as much as I could and hoping that eventually, it would all start to make sense.

As a history buff, I have a great passion for reading various biographies.

I have delved into countless stories of remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the pages of history.

Among all the books I have read, this particular one stands out as the best I have ever come across.

The details and insights provided in this book are simply astonishing.

It offers a comprehensive and in-depth look into the life and times of the subject, painting a vivid picture that transports the reader back in time.

The author's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a true masterpiece.

Every page is filled with fascinating anecdotes, thought-provoking analysis, and a wealth of information that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

This book has not only enhanced my knowledge of history but has also deepened my appreciation for the individuals who have shaped our world.

It is truly a gem that I would highly recommend to any history enthusiast.

Overall, it is a good and thorough book that delves into the life and presidency of FDR.

However, there are certain aspects of the narrative that left me with questions.

I noticed that Black's account of the transition period between Hoover and Roosevelt seemed to be heavily exaggerated.

It appeared to me that Hoover's intentions were more benign than what the author has recorded.

The conflict that ensued between the two presidents during that time was perhaps more of an illustration of FDR's political ruthlessness rather than Hoover attempting to set a trap.

Moreover, Black sometimes gets his facts confused in rather embarrassing and humorous ways.

For instance, he states that the Hoover Dam is in Boulder, Colorado.

This is forgivable to some extent as Black is not an American author.

But at the same time, it is similar to saying that the Empire State Building is not in New York City.

Despite these flaws, the book still provides valuable insights into FDR's life and presidency.