Eleanor

David Michaelis' biography of Eleanor Roosevelt, America's longest-serving First Lady, presents a "stunning" portrait of her life of transformation. She went from an orphaned niece of President Theodore Roosevelt to a powerful partner in New York's most important power couple. Despite her unhappy marriage, she became a voice for the voiceless, a proxy for her husband's presidential ambition, and a champion of international human rights. Eleanor's story is a reminder of the American ideal of freedom and the importance of living together for a better future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 720 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Bestseller, prizewinning bestselling author David Michaelis presents a "stunning" (The Wall Street Journal) breakthrough portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt, America's longest-serving First Lady, an avatar of democracy whose ever-expanding agency as diplomat, activist, and humanitarian made her one of the world's most widely admired and influential women.

In the first single-volume cradle-to-grave portrait in six decades, acclaimed biographer David Michaelis delivers a stunning account of Eleanor Roosevelt's remarkable life of transformation. An orphaned niece of President Theodore Roosevelt, she converted her Gilded Age childhood of denial and secrecy into an irreconcilable marriage with her ambitious fifth cousin Franklin. Despite their inability to make each other happy, Franklin Roosevelt transformed Eleanor from a settlement house volunteer on New York's Lower East Side into a matching partner in New York's most important power couple in a generation.

When Eleanor discovered Franklin's betrayal with her younger, prettier social secretary, Lucy Mercer, she offered a divorce and vowed to face herself honestly. Here is an Eleanor both more vulnerable and more aggressive, more psychologically aware and sexually adaptable than we knew. She came to accept FDR's bond with his executive assistant, Missy LeHand; she allowed her children to live their own lives, as she never could; and she explored her sexual attraction to women, among them a star female reporter on FDR's first presidential campaign, and younger men.

Eleanor needed emotional connection. She pursued deeper relationships wherever she could find them. Throughout her life and travels, there was always another person or place she wanted to heal. As FDR struggled to recover from polio, Eleanor became a source of strength and support, helping him to regain his confidence and return to public life.

Eleanor Roosevelt was a remarkable woman who lived a life of transformation and impact. Her journey from a humble upbringing to becoming one of the most influential women in history is a testament to her resilience, determination, and compassion. Through her marriage to Franklin Roosevelt, her role as First Lady, and her subsequent political career, she worked tirelessly to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice around the world.

Michaelis' portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt is a comprehensive and engaging account of her life, covering everything from her early years to her final days. The book is filled with vivid details and anecdotes, providing a deeper understanding of Eleanor's personality, character, and achievements. Michaelis also delves into Eleanor's relationships with her family, friends, and colleagues, including her close bond with President Roosevelt and her complicated relationships with her children and grandchildren.

One of the most striking aspects of Eleanor Roosevelt's life was her unwavering commitment to social change. She was a fierce advocate for women's rights, civil rights, and labor rights, and she played a key role in the formation of the United Nations and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Eleanor also worked extensively to support victims of war and poverty, and she established the Roosevelt Foundation to continue her legacy of humanitarian work.

Despite her many accomplishments, Eleanor Roosevelt faced challenges and setbacks throughout her life. She struggled with her mental health, particularly after the death of her husband and the onset of Alzheimer's disease. However, she remained resilient and determined, using her platform to raise awareness about mental health and inspire others to seek help.

In conclusion, Eleanor Roosevelt was a truly remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the world. David Michaelis' portrait of her is a testament to her enduring legacy and the power of her story to inspire and empower others. Whether you are interested in history, politics, or social justice, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about one of the most influential women in history.

Weight: 1132g
Dimension: 241 x 173 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439192016