Roosevelt and Churchill, 1939-1941: The Partnership That Saved the West

by Joseph P. Lash

An account of the personalities and official practices of the two wartime leaders, of the relationship between them, and of the early events of World War II with which they contended and which shaped their partnership

Genres: History, World War II, Biography, Nonfiction, Us Presidents, Military History

528 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1976

About the author

Joseph Paul Lash (1909–1987) was secretary and confidant to Eleanor Roosevelt and the author of numerous acclaimed books.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had this book (and a few others of his) on my shelf for the longest time. Knowing his association with Eleanor I wondered what kind of writer he was. I am impressed. I’ve read many books on FDR, Churchill and WWII. This book for me brought all the info together. Or all the info I’ve read finally all clicked. Lash wrote enough on the major players, conversations and descriptions that I felt I was there. And sadly am reminded that public opinion always needs to be considered when a politician speaks. Even when there is so much at stake, and so much the public doesn’t know and probably shouldn’t.

A favorite line and thought between two great men and countries, mentioned in a few books will always be a favorite. When Harry Hopkins first met with Churchill, Churchill toured bombed areas with Hopkins and there were speeches. Churchill urged Hopkins to speak, Hopkins quoted from the Book of Ruth: “Whether thou goest, I will go…even to the end.”

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In writing about Franklin Roosevelt, Joseph P. Lash brings his first-person perspective: he was a friend of Eleanor Roosevelt and knew her husband well. That connection allowed him to develop the interesting insight about FDR's mastery of public opinion in moving a largely isolationist United States into supporting aid to Britain in the early stages of World War II. In this he differs from the standard viewpoint that this nation had to practically be tricked by its president to do the right thing. Lash shows that Roosevelt did not act without strong public support. His account of the 1940 presidential election is surprisingly dramatic as well. Despite these strengths, I found this account a bit of a disappointment. Although the book claims to consider both men, Churchill is not presented in sufficient detail here. The bigger problem is Lash's writing style. Any good work of history has to master its bibliography, to use quotes judiciously throughout. Lash chose to lard this book with often-lengthy quotes, many of which could have been cut or even summarized to much greater effect. These shortcomings mar an otherwise fascinating account. Three and a half stars.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dense, title is misleading as practically everything leading up to Pearl Harbor is in this book, and very little about the relationship between the two world leaders themselves.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3