Traitor to His Class

The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

By: H. W. Brands

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

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.

©2008 H. W. Brands; (P)2008 Books on Tape

A man who changed America

Seventy six years ago one of America’s most important presidents died, but in his wake you see how he truly changed this country for the better. Programs that we take for granted today such as social security and the GI Bill were radical for the time. This man changed how America is today and this book explores his life and everything that made him the man he was.

Well-researched, excellent performance

Brand covers history and politics, along with the story of an interesting man and his interesting family. One of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to.

A great book about a great man

I'm no historian, I don't know the whole story. But I left after listening to this feeling that I know some of who this man was, this Franklin, Delano Roosevelt. A fine man. A good American.

I recommend listening to this or anyone, interested in our history. For that matter, just to learn about a spectacular man.

Excellent insight into FDR

Mr. Brands delves deeply into FDR’s life to show us a human going through life and developing. We see his strengths and weaknesses, his mistakes and triumphs.

The narration by Mr. Deakins is perfect.

Wonderfully Thorough, Well Narrated

I was originally curious about Roosevelt because he’s one of Obama’s favorite presidents. Now I can say, give or take a couple of issues, he’s one of mine. At first I had to get used to the narrator’s measured dryness, but then I grew to appreciate it. It was so consistent it didn’t distract from the information.

Worth every minute.

I felt as if I was listening to FDR's own voice through the author's pen and the narrator's performance. The scenes were painted with such two tail and the narrator made them come alive. It was a treat to learn so much more about FDR then I ever could have imagined. I recommend the unabridged version - it may seem daunting to listen to, but I found myself hanging on every word.

Amazing book - awesome narration

I just finished the audible version of this book. Very comprehensive and well narrated. I’m no fan of FDR, but H. W. Brands goes into great detail describing the challenges and situations FDR had to go through in order to restore hope to Americans impoverished by a depression, and to a world facing subjugation by tyrants. The detail Brands provides, combined with Mark Deakins’ narration helps you understand the circumstances behind FDR’s decisions and his state of mind, and makes the reader/listener feel like s/he was present and by FDR’s side. Highly recommended!

A great book about the BEST U.S. President

This was a phenomenal listen from the beginning. It made me love Roosevelt even more.

Rare Combination,,, Fact AND Feeling!

The study of history is amazing when truth of BOTH a feeling and a factual nature jumps off the pages.

Agree or not with a given policy of FDR, you will know his feeling as well as his thinking. Not since Carl Sandburg or Bruce Catton history books have I experienced both truths in any one book!

Masterful!

FDR - the enigma

FDR was known throughout the world and loved by many (not all) yet he was guarded, inscrutable. This book tries to show us both sides of the looking glass that was FDR. it is Brand's 3rd in a series of in -depth potraits.