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Product Identifiers
PublisherSt. Martin's Press
ISBN-101250274699
ISBN-139781250274694
eBay Product ID (ePID)12057251243
Product Key Features
Book TitleUnlikely Heroes : Franklin Roosevelt, His Four Lieutenants, and the World They Made
Number of Pages496 Pages
LanguageEnglish
TopicUnited States / 20th Century, Presidents & Heads of State, Political, United States / General
Publication Year2023
IllustratorYes
GenreBiography & Autobiography, History
AuthorDerek Leebaert
FormatHardcover
Dimensions
Item Height1.5 in
Item Weight24.7 Oz
Item Length9.7 in
Item Width6.6 in
Additional Product Features
Intended AudienceTrade
LCCN2022-045421
Reviews"Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II, "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II, "Mr. Leebaert takes a fresh tack by making his subject the Ickes-Perkins-Hopkins-Wallace bloc. ... [And] here is the crucial thing for the gossip-hungry Roosevelt, and a boon for readers of Unlikely Heroes --they were never, ever boring." -- The Wall Street Journal "In the vein of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals (2005), political historian Leebaert illuminates the dynamics of FDR's consequential administration by focusing on four of his lieutenants ... Leebaert sheds new light on FDR's managerial capabilities and ably demonstrates that the cultivation of diversified and resilient talent was essential to the administration's endurance." -- Booklist "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt's inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR's inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal "Constructs an entirely fresh understanding of FDR and his presidency by spotlighting the powerful, equally wounded figures whom he raised up to confront the Depression, then to beat the Axis. .By examining the lives of these four, a very different picture emerges of how Americans saved their democracy and rescued civilization overseas." -- Daily Kos " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II, "Mr. Leebaert takes a fresh tack by making his subject the Ickes-Perkins-Hopkins-Wallace bloc. ... [And] here is the crucial thing for the gossip-hungry Roosevelt, and a boon for readers of Unlikely Heroes --they were never, ever boring." -- The Wall Street Journal "In the vein of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals (2005), political historian Leebaert illuminates the dynamics of FDR's consequential administration by focusing on four of his lieutenants ... Leebaert sheds new light on FDR's managerial capabilities and ably demonstrates that the cultivation of diversified and resilient talent was essential to the administration's endurance." -- Booklist "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt's inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR's inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II, "Illuminating." -- George Will , The Washington Post "Mr. Leebaert takes a fresh tack by making his subject the Ickes-Perkins-Hopkins-Wallace bloc. ... [And] here is the crucial thing for the gossip-hungry Roosevelt, and a boon for readers of Unlikely Heroes --they were never, ever boring." -- The Wall Street Journal "In the vein of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals (2005), political historian Leebaert illuminates the dynamics of FDR's consequential administration by focusing on four of his lieutenants ... Leebaert sheds new light on FDR's managerial capabilities and ably demonstrates that the cultivation of diversified and resilient talent was essential to the administration's endurance." -- Booklist "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt's inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR's inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal "Constructs an entirely fresh understanding of FDR and his presidency by spotlighting the powerful, equally wounded figures whom he raised up to confront the Depression, then to beat the Axis. .By examining the lives of these four, a very different picture emerges of how Americans saved their democracy and rescued civilization overseas." -- Daily Kos " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II "No modern American political era has been the subject of more books.... But Derek Leebaert's personality-driven account of the life and times of our greatest president quickly convinces us there is a place for one more compelling volume. ... masterful." -- The Guardian "A terrific read." -- The Hugh Hewitt Show "A surprising, counterintuitive take on Roosevelt... I hope to pick up some secrets on building successful teams while I'm at it." --Nicholas Thompson, CEO, Atlantic, 2023 summer reading list McKinsey & Company Jump, "Mr. Leebaert takes a fresh tack by making his subject the Ickes-Perkins-Hopkins-Wallace bloc. ... [And] here is the crucial thing for the gossip-hungry Roosevelt, and a boon for readers of Unlikely Heroes --they were never, ever boring." -- The Wall Street Journal "In the vein of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals (2005), political historian Leebaert illuminates the dynamics of FDR's consequential administration by focusing on four of his lieutenants ... Leebaert sheds new light on FDR's managerial capabilities and ably demonstrates that the cultivation of diversified and resilient talent was essential to the administration's endurance." -- Booklist "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt's inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR's inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal "Constructs an entirely fresh understanding of FDR and his presidency by spotlighting the powerful, equally wounded figures whom he raised up to confront the Depression, then to beat the Axis. .By examining the lives of these four, a very different picture emerges of how Americans saved their democracy and rescued civilization overseas." -- Daily Kos " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II "No modern American political era has been the subject of more books.... But Derek Leebaert's personality-driven account of the life and times of our greatest president quickly convinces us there is a place for one more compelling volume. ... masterful." -- The Guardian "A terrific read." -- The Hugh Hewitt Show, "In the vein of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals (2005), political historian Leebaert illuminates the dynamics of FDR's consequential administration by focusing on four of his lieutenants ... Leebaert sheds new light on FDR's managerial capabilities and ably demonstrates that the cultivation of diversified and resilient talent was essential to the administration's endurance." -- Booklist "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt's inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR's inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II, "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt's inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR's inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II, "Illuminating." -- George Will , The Washington Post "Mr. Leebaert takes a fresh tack by making his subject the Ickes-Perkins-Hopkins-Wallace bloc. ... [And] here is the crucial thing for the gossip-hungry Roosevelt, and a boon for readers of Unlikely Heroes --they were never, ever boring." -- The Wall Street Journal "In the vein of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals (2005), political historian Leebaert illuminates the dynamics of FDR's consequential administration by focusing on four of his lieutenants ... Leebaert sheds new light on FDR's managerial capabilities and ably demonstrates that the cultivation of diversified and resilient talent was essential to the administration's endurance." -- Booklist "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt's inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR's inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal "Constructs an entirely fresh understanding of FDR and his presidency by spotlighting the powerful, equally wounded figures whom he raised up to confront the Depression, then to beat the Axis. .By examining the lives of these four, a very different picture emerges of how Americans saved their democracy and rescued civilization overseas." -- Daily Kos " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II "No modern American political era has been the subject of more books.... But Derek Leebaert's personality-driven account of the life and times of our greatest president quickly convinces us there is a place for one more compelling volume. ... masterful." -- The Guardian "A terrific read." -- The Hugh Hewitt Show, "Illuminating." -- George Will , The Washington Post "Mr. Leebaert takes a fresh tack by making his subject the Ickes-Perkins-Hopkins-Wallace bloc. ... [And] here is the crucial thing for the gossip-hungry Roosevelt, and a boon for readers of Unlikely Heroes --they were never, ever boring." -- The Wall Street Journal "In the vein of Doris Kearns Goodwin''s Team of Rivals (2005), political historian Leebaert illuminates the dynamics of FDR''s consequential administration by focusing on four of his lieutenants ... Leebaert sheds new light on FDR''s managerial capabilities and ably demonstrates that the cultivation of diversified and resilient talent was essential to the administration''s endurance." -- Booklist "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It''s an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt''s inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR''s inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal "Constructs an entirely fresh understanding of FDR and his presidency by spotlighting the powerful, equally wounded figures whom he raised up to confront the Depression, then to beat the Axis. .By examining the lives of these four, a very different picture emerges of how Americans saved their democracy and rescued civilization overseas." -- Daily Kos " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR''s presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR''s presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR''s key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II "No modern American political era has been the subject of more books.... But Derek Leebaert''s personality-driven account of the life and times of our greatest president quickly convinces us there is a place for one more compelling volume. ... masterful." -- The Guardian "A terrific read." -- The Hugh Hewitt Show "A surprising, counterintuitive take on Roosevelt... I hope to pick up some secrets on building successful teams while I''m at it." --Nicholas Thompson, CEO, Atlantic, 2023 summer reading list McKinsey & Company "'' Unlikely Heroes '' pen-portrait of FDR is almost unparalleled in the literature about U.S. presidents. Only a handful of works about Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, TR, and Nixon compare." --Walter McDougall, Professor of History and the Alloy-Ansin Professor of International Relations, University of Pennsylvania; Pulitzer winner, " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II, "Mr. Leebaert takes a fresh tack by making his subject the Ickes-Perkins-Hopkins-Wallace bloc. ... [And] here is the crucial thing for the gossip-hungry Roosevelt, and a boon for readers of Unlikely Heroes --they were never, ever boring." -- The Wall Street Journal "In the vein of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals (2005), political historian Leebaert illuminates the dynamics of FDR's consequential administration by focusing on four of his lieutenants ... Leebaert sheds new light on FDR's managerial capabilities and ably demonstrates that the cultivation of diversified and resilient talent was essential to the administration's endurance." -- Booklist "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt's inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR's inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal "Constructs an entirely fresh understanding of FDR and his presidency by spotlighting the powerful, equally wounded figures whom he raised up to confront the Depression, then to beat the Axis. .By examining the lives of these four, a very different picture emerges of how Americans saved their democracy and rescued civilization overseas." -- Daily Kos " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II "No modern American political era has been the subject of more books.... But Derek Leebaert's personality-driven account of the life and times of our greatest president quickly convinces us there is a place for one more compelling volume. ... masterful." -- The Guardian, "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II, "Illuminating." -- The Washington Post "Mr. Leebaert takes a fresh tack by making his subject the Ickes-Perkins-Hopkins-Wallace bloc. ... [And] here is the crucial thing for the gossip-hungry Roosevelt, and a boon for readers of Unlikely Heroes --they were never, ever boring." -- The Wall Street Journal "In the vein of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals (2005), political historian Leebaert illuminates the dynamics of FDR's consequential administration by focusing on four of his lieutenants ... Leebaert sheds new light on FDR's managerial capabilities and ably demonstrates that the cultivation of diversified and resilient talent was essential to the administration's endurance." -- Booklist "Leebaert thoroughly mines diaries, letters, and oral histories to deliver a fine-grained study of the ties that bound this consequential administration. It's an enlightening investigation into the alchemy of successful governance." -- Publishers Weekly "Leebaert is good at adducing current themes in past history, including regional divisions, racism, inequality, trickle-down economics, and a politicized and obstructionist Supreme Court...A nuanced study of reformist government in action and its behind-the-scenes players." -- Kirkus Reviews "Leebaert follows four protagonists from President Franklin Roosevelt's inner circle during the Depression. ... An intimate portrait of FDR's inner circle during the New Deal. Readers of U.S. history, economics, and political science should greatly enjoy this volume." -- Library Journal "Constructs an entirely fresh understanding of FDR and his presidency by spotlighting the powerful, equally wounded figures whom he raised up to confront the Depression, then to beat the Axis. .By examining the lives of these four, a very different picture emerges of how Americans saved their democracy and rescued civilization overseas." -- Daily Kos " Unlikely Heroes is the most exciting book written about FDR's presidency in decades. Finally, we see exactly how he led the nation." -- James Strock, author, Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership , Founder, Serve to Lead Group "A brilliantly captivating portrait of Roosevelt and his four most important associates, revealing their interwoven lives and friendships. Not only does it provide a unique perspective on the twelve tumultuous years of FDR's presidency, it is full of illuminating insights into the upheavals of America today." -- Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer-winning author, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World "By bringing alive the friendships among FDR's key officials, Leebaert enables us to feel like insiders during that desperate time...among the many books about Roosevelt--none grants such vibrant access as does Unlikely Heroes." -- Major-General Mari K. Eder, U.S. Army (ret), former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II "No modern American political era has been the subject of more books.... But Derek Leebaert's personality-driven account of the life and times of our greatest president quickly convinces us there is a place for one more compelling volume. ... masterful." -- The Guardian "A terrific read." -- The Hugh Hewitt Show
Table Of ContentINTRODUCTION PART I: SUFFERING 1. STEPPING FORWARD (Inauguration as Governor, January 1, 1929, to the October Crash) 2. ECONOMIC PLAGUE (October 1929 to Campaign Summer, 1932) 3. SURGE TO POWER (November Elections 1932 to Roosevelt's Inauguration, March 1933) 4. ACTION NOW (The Hundred Days, March-June 1933) 5. NEW FRONTIERS (Summer 1933 to the Midterm Elections, November 1934) 6. GETTING THE HABIT (Midterm Elections 1934 to Summer 1936s Party Conventions) PART II: ENDURANCE 7. CREST OF THE WAVE (FDR's 1936 Campaign to Christmas 1937) 8. FACING THE WORLD (A Super Island-State in the Mid-1930s) 9. FAITH AND MAINTENANCE (January to Summer 1938) 10. TURNING POINTS (Reforms of Summer '38 to a New Congress, January 1939) 11. SPARK TO FLAME ("Munich" in Autumn 1938, to War in Europe, September 1939) 12. LINE OF FIRE (War in September 1939 to attack in Western Europe, May 1940) PART III: HOPE 13. DEVOTEES OF FORCE (Blitzkrieg of May 1940 to FDR's Inauguration, January 1941) 14. ELEVENTH HOUR (Inauguration 1941 to Pearl Harbor, December 7) 15. NEW EXTREMES (Attack at Pearl Harbor to November 1942's Midterm Elections) 16. WASHINGTON WARS (Operation Torch, November 1942, to the Coal Strikes, November 1943) 17. HARD POUNDING (Stalin in Tehran, November 1943, to D-Day, June 1944) 18. LONG SHADOWS (Operation Overlord, Summer 1944, to FDR's Death, April 1945) EPILOGUE
Synopsis"Masterful." -- The Guardian "Propulsive." -- The Wall Street Journal "Leebaert has done the near impossible--crafted a fresh and challenging portrait of the man and his inner circle." -- Richard Norton Smith, author of An Uncommon Man , former director of the Hoover, Eisenhower, Reagan, and Ford presidential libraries. "A fascinating and absorbing analysis of FDR's brilliantly chosen team of four courageous and creative men and women." -- Susan Dunn, author of 1940: FDR, Willkie, Lindbergh, Hitler--the Election Amid the Storm , Massachusetts Professor of Humanities, Williams College. Drawing on new materials, Unlikely Heroes constructs an entirely fresh understanding of FDR and his presidency by spotlighting the powerful, equally wounded figures whom he raised up to confront the Depression, then to beat the Axis. Only four people served at the top echelon of President Franklin Roosevelt's Administration from the frightening early months of spring 1933 until he died in April 1945, on the cusp of wartime victory. These lieutenants composed the tough, constrictive, long-term core of government. They built the great institutions being raised against the Depression, implemented the New Deal, and they were pivotal to winning World War II. Yet, in their different ways, each was as wounded as the polio-stricken titan. Harry Hopkins, Harold Ickes, Frances Perkins, and Henry Wallace were also strange outsiders. Up to 1933, none would ever have been considered for high office. Still, each became a world figure, and it would have been exceedingly difficult for Roosevelt to transform the nation without them. By examining the lives of these four, a very different picture emerges of how Americans saved their democracy and rescued civilization overseas. Many of the dangers that they all overcame are troublingly like those America faces today.
LC Classification NumberE806.L44 2023
