FDR

[Suzanne]

With so many biographies, out there, which one would you recommend for me?

[William]

I can tell you the first one I'm planning on reading, and I did a fair amount of research, and that is FDR, by Jean Edward Smith. Here in no special order are the other FDR related books on my presidential to-read list (currently over 120 books):

Roosevelt: The Lion and the Fox, 1882-1940

Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope

Supreme Power: Franklin Roosevelt vs. the Supreme Court

No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt

[James]

I second Will's recommendation of the Jean Edward Smith biography.

[Suzanne]

My biggest concern is that it's a balanced book. I want to make sure it's not just an "FDR is the greatest President" type of book. I want to see the real FDR, warts and all.

[James]

Though Smith clearly admires FDR, this is not a hagiography. He discusses FDR's failures as objectively as he discusses his triumphs. It is, in that light, very balanced and, yes, it includes "warts and all."

[Suzanne]

James wrote: "Though Smith clearly admires FDR, this is not a hagiography. He discusses FDR's failures as objectively as he discusses his triumphs. It is, in that light, very balanced and, yes, it includes "wart..."

Thanks!