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The most complete portrait ever drawn of the complex emotional connection between two of history’s towering leaders
Franklin Roosevelt... read full description
Franklin Roosevelt... read full description
reviews
Mar 23, 2011
Caroline
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f the 'Special Relationship' has ever existed and been anything more than a product of the wishful thinking of British Prime Ministers, it was forged in the years of the Second World War, as a result of the relationship between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. I doubt our two countries have ever been closer - politically, military and personally as well.
This book charts the evolution of the real bonds of affection between Churchill and FDR, bonds which were often strained b More...
This book charts the evolution of the real bonds of affection between Churchill and FDR, bonds which were often strained b More...
Jan 27, 2011
Corinne
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This book is exactly what the title states-- a portrait of the intimate side of Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill's friendship.
The story itself chronicles their relationship and provides some insight into their personalities, strengths and weaknesses, and how their interactions were unique. Interesting insight into two people who helped shape the world as partners through World War II. Meacham looks behind the masks to the very human men underneath-- shows how often they More...
The story itself chronicles their relationship and provides some insight into their personalities, strengths and weaknesses, and how their interactions were unique. Interesting insight into two people who helped shape the world as partners through World War II. Meacham looks behind the masks to the very human men underneath-- shows how often they More...
Jul 03, 2010
Judy
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When Roosevelt and Churchill first met early in their careers, they did not like each other. They came from completely different backgrounds. However, when they are thrown together again as the powerful leaders of the United States and Britain during the early days of World War II, a deep friendship develops. As Meacham points out, however, it is usually Churchill who is the suitor and Franklin who plays hard-to-get, partly because Churchill has to beg the U.S. for aid for so long before the
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Apr 27, 2010
Rachel
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This was an interesting book, though a bit starry-eyed for me. It chronicles the friendship between Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during World War II, attempting to characterize the way they each viewed and developed their relationship.
Interestingly, Meacham describes the relationship as being somewhat one-sided: he casts Churchill as the needy friend who would do anything for Roosevelt, and who adored him publicly and privately; and Roosevelt as the popular kid -- someon More...
Interestingly, Meacham describes the relationship as being somewhat one-sided: he casts Churchill as the needy friend who would do anything for Roosevelt, and who adored him publicly and privately; and Roosevelt as the popular kid -- someon More...
Dec 28, 2009
William
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Continuing my attack on recent (well, this one is 2003) books covering the events and personalities of World War II, this very entertaining book by Jon Meacham (the editor of Newsweek, whom you have no doubt seen on Charlie Rose's PBS television show) adds itself to the list of those with new and interesting information because of recently declassified (or recently disclosed personal) documents. The (obvious) angle with this book is the intense personal relationship that developed between these
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Apr 20, 2009
Mike
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I thoroughly enjoyed this tremendous biography of a friendship, which turns out to be exceptional history too. I had read Churchill's WW II history, and wanted to know more of the critical personal alliance with FDR. This book sated my appetite. Churchill certainly served as the suitor, and for clear reasons. First, Britain was in mighty desperate straits in 1940 and 41, literally holding back the pounding of the Nazi hammer from all sides, alone. Roosevelt hoped to keep America officially neut
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Nov 19, 2008
John
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I was fascinated by the power and vision that the 2 men had that shaped the world during and after WWII. It appears that F&W fashioned the United Nations practically single-handedly into what it is today. Both were visionaries but
Franklin more so. C was so right in his misgivings of Stalin and they turned out to be true.
The look into their private side was also revealing.
If you like history and want a glimpse of WWII read this book.
John
Franklin more so. C was so right in his misgivings of Stalin and they turned out to be true.
The look into their private side was also revealing.
If you like history and want a glimpse of WWII read this book.
John
Jun 10, 2010
Greg
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The book's title is very accurate: this is not so much a history book, but rather a very specific look at the friendship between Roosevelt and Churchill.
It was a very entertaining read, nonetheless. The author clearly had strong opinions about the character of the two men, so many stories seem selected to support that opinion. Meacham paints FDR as the aloof, popular kid and Churchill as the always-trying-to-be-accepted not-so cool kid. Of course there are degrees to both of those ch More...
It was a very entertaining read, nonetheless. The author clearly had strong opinions about the character of the two men, so many stories seem selected to support that opinion. Meacham paints FDR as the aloof, popular kid and Churchill as the always-trying-to-be-accepted not-so cool kid. Of course there are degrees to both of those ch More...
Dec 03, 2009
Cv
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I know a lot of people liked this book, but I found it lacking in many areas. For one the narrative is repetitious to the point of tedium. Over and over again we are told, rather than shown, that these two men, Franklin and Churchill admire and respect each other but that every element of this partnership is tinged with self-interest, or in their case the interest of their respective nations.
The books starts by jumping around through time and the author seems to be taking clippin More...
The books starts by jumping around through time and the author seems to be taking clippin More...
Sep 21, 2009
Lisa
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I only picked this up as part of a book challenge, but am glad I did. I enjoyed reading about the developing friendship of FDR and Churchill. The dynamics of their friendship and the resulting relationship helped shape the U.S.'s relations with England and other foreign countries. I saw their leadership skill and vision as the beginning of a new world view and globalization of foreign affairs. The creation of the United Nations was one of many FDR contributions to world history.
C More...
C More...
Mar 30, 2009
Rick
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Good read if your interested in World War II history. I would suggest reading IKE first because it provides some background as to whats happening around the timeframes that are discussed. The focus of this book is the ups and downs of the Roosevelt/Churchill relationship. Interestingly, Churchill tried to pull the US into WWII because they were alone against Germany but it was through the war that the US became the most powerful country in the world virtually overnight. Once the Roosevelt realiz
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Feb 10, 2009
Tom
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I found I enjoyed Jon Meacham's Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship more than I did his American Lion: A Biography of President Andrew Jackson, though this may be due to either a better abridgment or my own sentiments on the subjects of this book, as I have more of a personal fondness for Churchill and FDR than I do Old Hickory.
That said, this book is not without flaws. While the audio reading covers all of their experiences and their friendship during t More...
That said, this book is not without flaws. While the audio reading covers all of their experiences and their friendship during t More...
Jan 12, 2010
Nick
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An absolutely engrossing book that truly details the relationship between FDR and Winston Churchill. It was full of personal correspondence between the two leaders and their mutual friends, including their meetings and dealings with "Uncle Joe" Stalin. I will go so far as to say that I even teared up at the end of the book, which concludes with the passing of Roosevelt.
I would certainly like to have this book in my personal library, and recommend it to anyone interested i More...
I would certainly like to have this book in my personal library, and recommend it to anyone interested i More...
Aug 17, 2011
Karen
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Dense and intricate, Franklin and Winston is a masterful expose into the relationship among two powerful men in a time of valor, war and danger. In the throes of the violent WWII, Winston and Franklin are two undivided friends that must stand tall in face of the enemy, while commanding their countries. Meacham presents all of this in the utmost detail, from primary source quotations to intricate metaphors between the two men. However, Franklin and Winston should not be read as a history novel (t
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Apr 17, 2010
Denise
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Now I know why all social settings are described as "political" Playing to others moods and catering to needs of the stronger alpha male. Spinning information and news to suit their needs. It all started with politics.
Roosevelt seemed like the bully in the friendship with Winston nipping at his heels striving to be taken seriously. But it's interesting how the "two most powerful men" were able to successfully take down the axis of power. Interestingly, it was Wins More...
Roosevelt seemed like the bully in the friendship with Winston nipping at his heels striving to be taken seriously. But it's interesting how the "two most powerful men" were able to successfully take down the axis of power. Interestingly, it was Wins More...
Jun 17, 2008
Dorothy
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Good summer read for history buffs. Meacham peppers his narrative with anecdotes about the two giants of World War II- some are funny, some are poignant, and others should have been left in the vault, as they provided no insight whatsoever . I found his psychological assessment of Churchill intriguing. Churchill was one of the most driven political figures in the twentieth century, and Meacham argues that this motivation stemmed from a desire to please his awful (and perpetually unsatisfied)
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Nov 25, 2008
Shair
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At long last! I finally finished this wonderful book. A week or so ago, I received a notice from Goodreads, "You started reading this book 219 days ago." Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Goodreads. For the record, the fact that it took me well over 200 days to read it is not a reflection on the quality or the level of difficulty of this book. It's easy to read, as far as historical texts go, and it's a pleasure. I read it in bits for the better part of '08 whenever I was in between readings
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Sep 12, 2011
matt
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Oct 03, 2010
Josh
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This is a good book. It's exactly what the title says it is. The only problem is that I realized, about a tenth of the way through, that I really wasn't that interested in the subject matter.
I actually finished the book and even enjoyed parts of it; it's fairly well written. But through the whole thing I just kept thinking about how I wished I was reading a WW2 military history. I know this is personal opinion and probably reflects a personal failing on my part, but it just didn't do More...
I actually finished the book and even enjoyed parts of it; it's fairly well written. But through the whole thing I just kept thinking about how I wished I was reading a WW2 military history. I know this is personal opinion and probably reflects a personal failing on my part, but it just didn't do More...
Dec 05, 2007
David
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From The New Yorker
After their first meeting, in 1918, Roosevelt said that Churchill was "a stinker" Churchill didn't even remember Roosevelt. But by their next exchange, in 1939, Churchill was convinced that Britain's future depended on getting Roosevelt to like him. Meacham's engaging account argues that personal bonds between leaders are crucial to international politics. He draws heavily on diaries and letters to describe a complicated courtship and, at times, seems amazed at More...
After their first meeting, in 1918, Roosevelt said that Churchill was "a stinker" Churchill didn't even remember Roosevelt. But by their next exchange, in 1939, Churchill was convinced that Britain's future depended on getting Roosevelt to like him. Meacham's engaging account argues that personal bonds between leaders are crucial to international politics. He draws heavily on diaries and letters to describe a complicated courtship and, at times, seems amazed at More...
Jul 01, 2011
Mac
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Probably the best single history I have ever read. It explores the vulnerabilities of both men in detail to understand why each felt such a bond with the other and yet held the other at a distance at critical junctures. A true story of friends forming an amazing partnership at a time when the free world hung in the balance. Meacham's research and narrative are unsurpassed in relating the decisive points in the leadership of the Alliance.
Jan 02, 2010
Ryan
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A completely captivating and intimate look at the defining relationship of the 20th Century. While my WWII perspective is that of an interested layperson I found the narrative and prose to be completely engrossing and satisfying. I've read other works on Churchill and this was far more accessible and less esoteric. The book truly gave me a better understanding of their humanity and respect for their leadership.
Jan 19, 2009
Leslie
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I was absolutely captivated by this book. It turned my preconceived ideas about FDR and Churchill inside out. This is a fantastic character study of these two men and it their actions during the time of WWII reveal so much about them. I especially like how this book focuses on them as individuals as well as their relationship, which was fairly intimate, if a bit one-sided most of the time.
Jul 30, 2009
Adria
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Interesting insights into the friendship that changed the course of WW II, and subsequently, world history. FDR sounds like he was a bit of a tosser on the personal level, but old Winston really put himself on the line for his country and people. Loved his comment about how he would live in the US full-time (his mom was American) if only Americans didn't stop drinking between meals.
Jun 11, 2010
Elizabeth
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This book showed the crucial importance of face to face diplomacy. Franklin Roosevelt used Winston Churchill and vice versa and yet they seemed to have a genuine affection and respect for one another. An interesting way to look at World War II, through the lens of the connection between these two great statesman.
Dec 04, 2011
Michael
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I purchased this during my period of reading about Roosevelt and the war. It was a well written story of a partnership that changed the course of history. Two men, individually flawed and very political, bound together by a common enemy to the fundamental principle of freedom and democracy.
Oct 14, 2011
Pete
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Truly one of the best history books I've ever read. Provides an up-close feeling of being right there as the events unfolded. Meacham does an excellent job describing both the personal tensions between the two personalities, as well as those superimposed by the political circumstances they found themselves wrapped up in.
Jan 15, 2010
Elizabeth
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I enjoyed Meacham's book and once again was struck with the notion that the western world lay in the balance and but for the intervention of the U.S. in WWII, things might have been different. It is always more interesting to read history when portrayed through personalities and both Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt were bigger than life. It also struck me again how different the world was in the 1940's in terms of the power of the President and influence of the Prime Minister and how
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Jan 01, 2011
Terry
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The author contends that the genuine friendship between Churchill and Roosevelt enabled them to work through many difficulties as they strove to win the war and the peace that followed. Interesting but not as compelling as other books on this era. 3 and 1/2 stars.
Feb 22, 2009
Natalie
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This was a realistic look at an amazing friendship that probably saved the world from Hitler. Although there are a few details of critical battles, the majority of this book addresses the personal relationship between Churchill and Roosevelt.
