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 Roosevelt—an adventurous, romantic woman, a devoted wife and mother, and a visionary policymaker and social activist who often took unpopular stands, counter to her husband's policies, especially on issues such as racial justice and women's rights. A biography of scholarship and daring, it is a book for all readers of American history.

The first volume of Blanche Wiesen Cook's superb biography of Eleanor Roosevelt was greeted as one of the most significant biographies of the decade.

"...A worthwhile and significant addition to any elementary collection." - School Library Journal

Examines the distinct leadership roles of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during the war years and discusses the dynamics of their marriage.

A study of the complex and political figure of Eleanor Roosevelt begins with her harrowing childhood, describes the difficulties of her marriage, and explains how she persuaded Franklin to make the reforms that would make him famous.

Volume 1 chronicles Eleanor Roosevelt's development as diplomat, politician, and journalist in the years 1945-1948. It is filled with original writings and speeches that have been annotated and made easily accessible through a comprehensive index. This is part of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project as the first of a five-volume set covering the years 1945-1962.

Born to one of the wealthiest families in New York City, Eleanor Roosevelt seemed destined for a sedate and comfortable life. Instead, she fell in love with her fifth cousin and was flung into the highest levels of American politics, culminating in Franklin's unprecedented four-term presidency. Before her, no first lady had ever held a press conference or written a syndicated column. Eleanor spoke at national conventions and often made appearances on her husband's behalf. Her own influence lasted years beyond his death. She advocated for human rights, worked with the United Nations, and supported what later became the civil rights movement. The fascinating quotes in this collection are the words of an articulate, honest, and thoughtful woman. Of war, she said, "I hope the day will come when all that inventing and mechanical genius will be used for other purposes." In her column for Ladies' Home Journal, she wrote, "Freedom from want means being sure that if you want to work, you can get a job and that job will pay you sufficient to give you and your family a decent standard of living." Organized by topic--government, money, art, education, class, relationships, emotions--these quotations reveal the personal thoughts Roosevelt shared in letters and conversations alongside the strong opinions she expressed in speeches and interviews, giving evidence to her character and her beliefs. Her words continue to resonate today.