The book is good, but it could have been more concise. It could have been edited down by approximately 250 pages. Instead of deeply exploring the person of FDR, it mainly concentrates on the events related to FDR and defends his actions against later critics.

Personally, I found myself skipping some parts of this defense and enjoying certain details about World War II. These details about the war, although they could potentially have been omitted, did make for a more thrilling and engaging story.

Perhaps a better balance could have been struck between delving into FDR as an individual and presenting the events and their context. This would have made the book more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of readers.

Overall, while the book has its merits, it could have been improved with some tighter editing and a more focused approach.

I hit the stars by accident while scrolling down before I started reading. Since everything I've read by Conrad Black has been 5 stars, it seemed a safe bet anyway. Now that I've finished it, I think there should be a six star rating allowed for this.

I've been fascinated with WWII for as long as I can remember. However, I haven't read enough from the American perspective, nor on the Pacific theater of the war. This book covers a vast amount of material regarding the war, yet it only barely scratches the surface. I'm likely going to read another stack of books on WWII.

I really like Conrad Black's writing. It's fresh, inspired, and well researched. It's never dry or dull. There's a tiny bit of bias here and there, for example towards Charles de Gaulle (whom I can't stand anyway). But overall, it doesn't detract from the quality of the book.

I don't know what else to say. I truly think this book is Conrad Black's best. It was such a joy to read. FDR was brilliant, and this book brought him to life in a vivid and engaging way. It made me feel as if I was right there, experiencing the events along with him.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in WWII or in the life and leadership of FDR. It's a must-read for history buffs.

This massive book offers a comprehensive account of the life of Franklin Roosevelt from his birth to his death. As far as I can see, it leaves out very little. With a large cast of hundreds, numerous political issues, and years and years of an unprecedented hold on political power, the book progresses steadily. I was never once bored. Even though I didn't know much about the people involved in the New Deal or the politics of the 20's, the author managed to engage me.

The author presents FDR with a cold and clear perspective and does not romanticize FDR and Eleanor as many recent books have done. Conrad Black is unafraid to be critical, calling FDR all kinds of unflattering things, but at the same time, he gives credit where it is deserved. Is he a fan? Yes. Is he a debunker? Also yes. The best part is that Conrad Black has a remarkable gift for words. Here's an example that describes FDR's acceptance of the Democratic nomination and Hoover's reaction: "The effect of Roosevelt's sudden aerial appearance and of his dramatic and eloquent message was galvanizing. He was already the president elect. The hapless Hoover was going through the motions. He was like a conscientious convict, not exactly penitent but resigned to his execution as inevitable, if excessive." This gives you a sense of the enthusiasm and vividness of his writing.

Despite some sharp criticism of FDR and deep skepticism about some of his policies, Black argues that FDR is one of the three greatest presidents, on par with Lincoln and Washington. After reading so much about Washington and Lincoln, and now adding FDR to the mix, I believe that FDR faced greater challenges and overcame more obstacles. FDR gets my vote as the greatest president of them all. I highly recommend this book. It's a real page-turner, even though it consists of 1,100 pages.

This is the best of the 5 books I've read on FDR.

It provides a comprehensive and in-depth look into the life and presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The author has done an excellent job of researching and presenting the facts in a clear and engaging manner.

From his early days to his rise to power, and through his many achievements and challenges, this book covers it all. It offers valuable insights into FDR's leadership style, his policies, and the impact he had on the United States and the world.

Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in learning more about one of the most influential presidents in American history, this book is a must-read. It will leave you with a greater understanding and appreciation of FDR and his place in history.

An excellent book about an extraordinary man has emerged. This book offers a captivating exploration of the life and achievements of this remarkable individual. It delves into the various aspects of his journey, from his humble beginnings to his rise to prominence. The author has skillfully crafted a narrative that is both engaging and informative.

The story is filled with inspiring anecdotes and valuable lessons that can be applied to our own lives. Reading this book is not only a source of entertainment but also a means of personal growth and inspiration. It is truly a gem that is well worth the read. Whether you are interested in biography, history, or simply looking for an uplifting read, this book has something for everyone.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover the story of this extraordinary man. Pick up this book today and embark on a journey that will leave you enlightened and motivated. You won't be disappointed!

So I didn't read ALL 1,280 pages. Sue me.

I did however read about 550 pages, and skimmed to get to the good stuff through about page 700.

This book was exhausting. I never was a huge nonfiction/biography person, so I really don't know why I picked this book to do a book report on in the first place.

However, this was researched very well and was comprehensive and gave many details and a good look inside FDR's life.

I actually think Black describes anyone and everyone FDR has ever come into contact with in his entire life.

So overall, yes, it is a bit much, but if you need a biography about FDR, then this is the bible.

It provides a wealth of information that is both detailed and accurate.

The author's research is evident throughout the book, and it gives a fascinating insight into the life and times of one of America's most important presidents.

Despite its length and density, it is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in history or politics.

So if you're looking for a comprehensive and well-written biography of FDR, look no further than this book.

A very good biography which given the author's reputation in the UK was surprising.

It is a comprehensive work that delves deep into the life and times of a charismatic yet flawed politician.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting a balanced view, highlighting both the politician's achievements and his shortcomings.

The biography is not only a fascinating read but also a valuable contribution to the understanding of the political landscape in the UK during a particular period.

It provides insights into the politician's personality, his political beliefs, and the events that shaped his career.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in politics or biography.

Well, I have to admit that I have never had a favorable opinion of Conrad Black. However, after delving into his biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, my perspective has completely changed!

Black has crafted an outstanding biography of FDR. It is a work that is not only fair-minded and insightful but also even-handed in presenting a compelling case for FDR as the most significant individual of the 20th century. Black is not afraid to be critical of FDR when necessary, and he does not shy away from highlighting his less admirable traits. Nevertheless, the author makes it abundantly clear that FDR's positive qualities and accomplishments far outweigh his negative aspects and failures.

The book excels in portraying FDR as a shrewd and calculating political genius. Fortunately, he utilized his talents to achieve remarkable feats for his country and the world. I was truly impressed by how Black vividly depicted the depth of isolationist sentiment in the US that Roosevelt had to confront as Fascism seized large portions of territory in the early stages of WWII. Most people would be shocked by the extent of isolationism and recognize it as a significant threat to both the future of the USA and the world. The book also revealed to me the degree to which the Republican Party in the US advocated policies that were detrimental and harmful to the entire world. It is astonishing that the so-called party of 'Lincoln' became unmistakably a force for causing harm to the world from the 1920s onwards, with its radical laissez-faire economics and extreme isolationism. After WWII, the Republicans added support for the segregated South, racism, and intolerance to their destructive policies. Of course, they abandoned isolationism but then steered America's necessary engagement in the world (initiated by FDR) in more radical and destructive directions (such as the Iraq War).

But let's return to FDR. One cannot help but be in awe of the fact that he recognized the perils of fascism earlier than any other leader (he was never an appeaser) and then skillfully maneuvered his deeply isolationist country. He first re-armed the nation, then provided invaluable assistance to the Allies to prevent an early Axis victory, and finally, with massive public support behind the war effort, led the country into joining the war. His performance in these political endeavors, which ultimately saved Western civilization, was as remarkable as anything ever accomplished in the realm of politics. Black also presents a convincing argument that the criticisms of FDR's performance at the Yalta conference have been unjust and lacking in solid evidence.

This book is equally excellent when it comes to dealing with the New Deal. Black effectively undermines both right-wing and left-wing critiques of the New Deal and showcases it as the centrist yet transformative reform package that it truly was. FDR's leadership and legislative achievements throughout the Great Depression were truly extraordinary. He alone among Western democratic leaders can be credited with successfully leading his nation through the Depression.

Black also highlights the crucial and often overlooked role that FDR played in assisting African-Americans and sowing the seeds of the civil rights movement. He managed to do this despite being politically constrained by the need for the support of white southern Democrats to pass the New Deal and defeat the isolationists. Given these circumstances, few leaders could have accomplished anything close to what FDR was able to do for African-Americans. Of course, by today's standards, the fact that segregation persisted in the South and in the Armed Forces may seem to condemn FDR. However, this忽视了 the many important changes he made to help African-Americans, the difficult political limitations he faced, and his own enlightened (for the time) personal views on race.

This is a substantial, 1100-page biography that is well worth reading for the profound insights it offers regarding the most important person of the 20th century.

I thought that the book overall was excellent.

However, I do have a few wishes. I wish it had delved more deeply into FDR's more questionable actions. For example, the turning away of Jewish people fleeing Europe in the 1930s was a significant event that had far-reaching implications. It would have been interesting to learn more about the reasons behind this decision and the consequences it had.

Similarly, his attempt to increase the size of the Supreme Court was a controversial move. Understanding the motives and the implications of this initiative would have added another layer of depth to the book.

I also wish there was more information about FDR's relationship with Truman, especially after that last election. Their dynamic and the transition of power are important aspects of American history.

Still, despite these omissions, I enjoyed the book. It provided a great deal of information about FDR and the country during the first half of the 20th century. I gained a much better understanding of the fine line that FDR walked in the run-up to and during World War 2.

Overall, I think the book was a bit skewed towards highlighting FDR's accomplishments and downplaying his failures. To get a more balanced perspective, I will probably look to read another FDR biography at some point. Nevertheless, I believe this book was excellent and very informative.

This biography of FDR is, by far, the most comprehensive I have read to date.

At a hefty 1,280 pages, it is no light or short read. One has to invest a significant amount of time and effort to go through it.

However, the time spent reading it is more than compensated for by the in-depth exploration of FDR the man. The author has delved deep into his character and personality, and they truly shine through the pages.

This is not a sugar-coated or glossy portrait that hides all the flaws. Instead, it presents a more complete and realistic characterization of FDR. We get to see his extraordinary achievements, such as leading the nation through the Great Depression and World War II.

But we also see his flaws, which humanize him and make the portrayal more believable. Overall, it was a great read that offered a rich and detailed understanding of one of the most important presidents in American history.

It is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about FDR and his era.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington DC is a remarkable sight. Conrad Black's monumental biography on Roosevelt is a captivating read. When Roosevelt took office in 1933, the US was in despair, but by 1945, it was a global power. Black argues that Roosevelt's progressive legislation prevented the US from splintering into extremism. His aid programs provided employment, brought electricity to rural areas, introduced social security, insured bank deposits, and more. Roosevelt spoke to the people, giving them hope. He never followed a formula and was always willing to experiment. Black delves into Roosevelt's complex personality. His polio affliction didn't stop him from pursuing the presidency. Roosevelt also prepared America for war, knowing the evil of Hitler. He planned the United Nations and brought Republicans on board. However, Black is not always praiseworthy. He condemns Roosevelt's actions towards Japanese-Americans and his treatment of de Gaulle. The analysis of the "Big Three Summits" is enlightening. This book is essential for Roosevelt aficionados, written with great zest and verve.

I was perusing a book I have titled "The Roosevelt Myth" by John T Flynn when I stumbled upon a clipping inside. The clipping was from the Houston Chronicle dated Feb 15, 2004.

Regarding this book that I don't yet own, the takeaway is that Black posits that FDR was more of a friend to businessmen than most people are aware.

The earlier work by Flynn, however, takes a markedly different approach. Published in 1948, it is an attack from the right. Flynn's book likely presents a contrasting view of FDR's policies and actions, perhaps highlighting aspects that he believed favored certain interests over others.

It will be interesting to see how these two perspectives compare once I get my hands on the book and can explore the ideas in more depth.