Eleanor Roosevelt, Volume 2: The Defining Years, 1933-1938

by Blanche Wiesen Cook

Book Overview

The central volume in the definitive biography of America's most important First Lady. "Engrossing" (Boston Globe).

The captivating second volume of this Eleanor Roosevelt biography covers tumultuous era of the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the gathering storms of World War II, the years of the Roosevelts' greatest challenges and finest achievements. In her remarkably engaging narrative, Cook gives us the complete Eleanor...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140178945
• ISBN13: 9780140178944
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 736 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.6" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

I'm sure that this is a great piece of work that would have been even better if the first 13 pages were not missing from the one that I purchased.

Eleanor Stands Tall

Although not being an American, I'm aware that there are many in the States who are not too fond of ER and who are very critical of her. This second volume of Blanche Wiesen Cook's series on America's former First Lady is as remarkable and absorbing as was the first. There is no doubt FDR was a man of character,courage and great personal charm and warmth, there is equally no doubt that his wife suffered great personal trauma (and embarrassment) at his refusal (doubtless for political reasons)to speak out against the racial problems (in particular lyching in the South) and the Hitlerites treament of Jews in prewar Germany and Austria whilst the US continued to trade with the Germans. The same could be said of his stance during the Spanish Civil War. Eleanor was a nag (as was mentioned here in other summaries of this book) but never without good reason.And all of her dire predictions came true. ER's passion for life, her beliefs, her love and respect of her husband, come through over and over again. Her ability to manipulate people, a less attractive aspect of her character - is also here for all to see (as her relationship with Lorena Hickock so aptly demonstrates). Was there too much of Hick in this book ? I didn't think so. The relationship was a long term, on going one. The letters were not destroyed by ER, who I believe must have realised they'd become public after her death. Finally, ER's energy levels must have been extraordinary - her ability to criss cross the country seemingly non stop was remarkable considering that travel and the mode of travel was nothing like it is today. What an absolute bonus such a partner was to FDR's re electibility !I look forward to the next "installment" with great anticipation.

Makes reading a pleasure

I have read numerous books about Eleanor Roosevelt over the years, but none has gone into the detail of this wonderful author and scholar. Not only do I love reading about Eleanor Roosevelt, the woman, but about the turbulent times she lived in. I was bored in school to learn about the Depression, but in this book, it comes to life and one can't help but to read on.I admired Eleanor Roosevelt for all the good works she did in her life, but have even more regard for her as a person because of reading Cook's biography.I really enjoyed the first 2 volumes of Cook's biographies of Eleanor Roosevelt and cannot wait until the third volume is published.

This is a marvelous book about an extraordinary woman

At last, a real woman emerges who is Eleanor Roosevelt. She's been so idolized or hated for so long that it's refreshing to have a real human being written about with real understanding and compassion. Not only does the real Mrs. Roosevelt emerge from the past, but so does the real story of what the depression years were like. Not just selling apples on the street and soup lines, but a dynamic, serious time when we as a nation nearly lost our way. A must read.

Very enjoyable bio

A wonderful book about a great woman. I I was going to order The Triumph and the Glory until I saw this book had just come out and I HAD to have a copy. Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the finest human beings to grace this sorry world and everyone should read her life story and learn some wisdom. Cook's biography is very effective in bringing the real woman to life for generations who are unfamiliar with her

Terrific! Outstanding

I am still reading and re-reading this book. I was initially disappointed because it does not have the focus on Ms. Roosevelt's private life that Volume I does. But after I got over that, I realized that I was reading a major work on the history of social justice movements in this country. Ms. Roosevelt's anti-racism work (including her own personal evolution) is documented here. The racism of her dear friend, Hick, is portrayed along with their disagreements on the issue. Most fascinating are those times that Ms. Roosevelt was reviled and condemned -- for having African American leaders in the White House, for receiving flowers from an African American girl -- perhaps we HAVE progressed in dismantling our racist past. The derision and contempt for poor people in the 30s and 40s is shocking. Ms. Roosevelt's constant, persistent and terribly courageous advocacy for the oppressed is inspirational! Viva Eleanor! Viva Blanche!