Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #331815 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

Customer Reviews

INSIGHT INTO THE ULTIMATE POLITICAL DYNASTY
A fascinating behind the scenes account of the first 100 days of FDR's Presidency and immediately beforehand the awkward quite lengthy period between election and inauguration. Also revealed is the part played by Eleanor Roosevelt in bringing contrast to FDR's political aims and obsessions and some light thrown on her 'close' relationships with a number of staff and friends.

Particularly interesting was the manner in which FDR dealt with Herbert Hoover, the outgoing President, revealing a cunning and ruthless streak in his personality.

I do not view this book primarily as a 'master-class' in providing the panacea for the treatment of a Credit Crunch. It happened that some circumstances in the early 30's were similar to 2008/9 but the Author Jonathan Alter's account goes far beyond this aspect in dealing with and explaining the complex but highly determined nature of President Roosevelt's unique method of governance.

Well written, instructional and holding your interest throughout......recommended.

Too detailed account by an author obsessed with his subject
The Defining Moment shot to the top of the lists again at the end of 2008 as a result of Barack Obama making it compulsive reading for his new administration. Not only would they all have felt it a too wordy account of this period, but they would also quickly discover that the two historical situations Roosevelt and Obama had to deal with have very few parallels. I think it is not unfair to say that The Great Depression made Roosevelt define himself, whereas the Credit Crunch provided an opportunity for the American People to define themselves for a new generation, by making their choice for president clear.

You will not receive any comparisons or have any parallels drawn between the Great Depression and the Credit Crunch, of course, as this book preceeds the CC by some 80 years, nor will you learn anything about handling major economic crisis by reading this book, but you will definitely learn countless details about Roosevelt's life, as well as his family, friends and foes.

In essence, if you wish to learn more about Roosevelt, and not only his defining days but his life, then this could be the book for you.

If you are truly interested in the Credit Crunch, or the Great Depression, then there are plenty of better books around, such as "Depression Decade: From New Era through New Deal, 1929-1941 by Broadus Mitchell, or The Global Impact of the Great Depression, 1929-1939 by Dietmar Rothermund.