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 | | The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope by Jonathan Alter ISBN-10: 9780743246019 ISBN-10: 0-7432-4601-2 ISBN-13: 9780743246019 ISBN-13: 978-0-7432-4601-9 Paperback 2007-05-08 Simon & Schuster Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
Product Description Jonathan Alter's bestselling and critically acclaimed account of how FDR lifted the country from despair and paralysis and transformed the presidency for all time. | ||
Reviews | ||
Shallow analysis of a dynamic president It's hard to review this book, as pretty much everyone is reading it anyway. The writing style is engaging, clear, and interesting. Part of this is because Mr. Alter chose to use extremely short chapters, some only four or five pages long, to make the book seem to read faster. I'm not sure he succeeds in bringing his subject to life on the page. I know more about the era and about FDR's presidency and policies after reading the book, but not so much more about the man himself. Mr. Alter persistently avers that President Roosevelt succeeded more by blind luck and instinct than by intelligence and knowledge. No one has that much luck. The book spends precious little time on those 100 days, instead describing FDR's career prior to the presidency, with a sharp focus on his campaign and his family life. I would have preferred substantial excerpts from FDR's speeches, such as his Inaugural addresses, and at least a reasonable sample from one fireside chat. I also would have liked some discussion on what would be typical for a society at this point of disruption. Looking at the long path of history, we see countries thrown into disarray in effectively similar ways, and we can examine how they often turn out. Yes, the particulars are different, but the fear, the desperation, and the cry for strong leadership, are the salient points. When Oda Nobunaga rose as a stabilizing force in Japan at the end of the Warring States Era, he rallied the same kind of tremendous support FDR had. In Japan, the people fell in line with Nobunaga's plans as he proved he could bring them safety, and an end to the violence raging around them. In America, the people fell in line with FDR's plans as he proved he could bring them jobs, so they could keep their homes, and feed their families. But where Nobunaga ultimately transformed major aspects of Japanese life (the move to isolationism for example), FDR preserved the fundamental nature of America. There are many other examples, from other nations and other times (Egypt at the end of the First Intermediate Period for one) and by examining them, at least in brief, we can better appreciate the way America moved through this pattern of history. That would have given this work a level of critical analysis that it sadly lacks. It's that kind of lack that earns this book a lower rating. There is no real insight provided in this book, no perspective brought, neither sociological nor historical. That leaves the book feeling a bit fluffy. | ||
Even better than expected An incredible look at history. Beautifully written. Rich in detail. If you think you understand this period in American history, you will be amazed with this perspective. A must read. | ||
Great First 100 Days The most interesting book on FDR I've ever read. I learned a lot more about the state of our nation when FDR was elected and what FDR did to keep our republic on a more democratic path. I'm sure our new President-elect and his staff are reading this book so they can learn how to make great things happen in Washington in only 100 days. | ||
Fascinating re-telling of FDR's rise The first 100 days of FDR's first administration are the focal point of this recently published work. Alter uses several chapters to re-introduce us to FDR the man, and also to provide background on the socio-economic situation in America at the time. Some of the more powerful insights show how Roosevelt's struggle with polio changed him from the sneering, privileged, upper class twit of his youth to the "man of the people" that he was to become. Especially interesting is the study of the 1932 Presidential Campaign and the compromises and sacrifices that had to be made just for the privilege of leading America through some of its darkest hours. After this drama, the actual 100 days seem almost anti-climatic. The ultimate picture we're left with is that of a pragmatist, a man who was willing to admit that he didn't have the answers and so was willing to try anything that might help. Alter admits that many of FDR's programs were failures, but is quick to point out how much Americans were heartened just by the fact that the government was actually doing something. Conversely Hoover's inaction, even when it was theoretically the wisest course, left Americans feeling abandoned when they were in need. Although not notoriously a great student of history, this reviewer enjoyed this book and its depiction of a period eerily similar to our own. It is also a fascinating study of FDR himself, a man whose story often gets overshadowed by the momentous events that he guided America through. WWII buffs please note: Alter leaves off after the first 100 days of FDR's first term, so don't expect an analysis of his entire presidency. Still an engrossing read. | ||
FDR rocks! Great introduction to FDR's efforts at responding to the Great Depression upon his entrance into the presidency. Sometimes a bit too much psychoanalyzing, but there should be no doubt that FDR was the great president of the 20th century, not necessarily for finding a domestic economic cure for the Great Depression, but for helping millions of suffering people and giving them hope. His leadership of WWII would take care of the rest, but that's for another book. Great description of FDR's pre-presidential career and his political talents, and Alter gives appropriate credit to Louis Howe for much of FDR's success. | ||