Traitor to His Class

The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

By: H. W. Brands

Narrated by: Patrick Egan

A sweeping, magisterial biography of the man generally considered the greatest president of the twentieth century, admired by Democrats and Republicans alike. Traitor to His Class sheds new light on FDR's formative years, his remarkable willingness to champion the concerns of the poor and disenfranchised, his combination of political genius, firm leadership, and matchless diplomacy in saving democracy in America during the Great Depression and the American cause of freedom in World War II.

Drawing on archival materials, public speeches, personal correspondence, and accounts by family and close associates, acclaimed bestselling historian and biographer H. W. Brands offers a compelling and intimate portrait of Roosevelt’s life and career.

Brands explores the powerful influence of FDR’s dominating mother and the often tense and always unusual partnership between FDR and his wife, Eleanor, and her indispensable contributions to his presidency. Most of all, the book traces in breathtaking detail FDR’s revolutionary efforts with his New Deal legislation to transform the American political economy in order to save it, his forceful—and cagey—leadership before and during World War II, and his lasting legacy in creating the foundations of the postwar international order.

Traitor to His Class brilliantly captures the qualities that have made FDR a beloved figure to millions of Americans.

Look for H.W. Brands's other biographies: THE FIRST AMERICAN (Benjamin Franklin), ANDREW JACKSON, THE MAN WHO SAVED THE UNION (Ulysses S. Grant), and REAGAN.©2008 H.W. Brand; (P)2008 Random House Audio

Excellent biography

HW Brands is an outstanding biographer. I have read Reagan's as well, and obe emerges with the same feeling of knowing the man, his Presidency, and American history. Good work!

Catchy Title Only

This account is superficial history, and even superficial biography. That is, if one has a passing knowledge of the Depression and the Second War, one gains little. The best moment, was learning of Keynes's counsel to Roosevelt on how to handle "businessmen." Very droll: "Treat them not as wolves and tigers, but as domestic animals by nature." And more of the same.

ABRIDGED!

This is not the full length version of this audiobook! The for length version is 3x longer, and is available on Audible under the same title. Should be more clearly labeled.