Franklin and Lucy, Joseph E. Persico
Franklin and Lucy, Joseph E. Persico
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Franklin and Lucy
President Roosevelt, Mrs. Rutherfurd, and the Other Remarkable Women in His Life

Author: Joseph E. Persico

Narrator: Len Cariou

Abridged: 6 hr 23 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/29/2008


Synopsis

“Just when you thought you knew everything about Franklin D. Roosevelt, think again. Joseph E. Persico [is] one of America’s finest historians. . . . You can’t properly understand FDR the man without reading this landmark study.”—Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at Rice University 

“Persico’s exploration of FDR’s emotional life is fascinating.”—USA Today

In Franklin and Lucy, acclaimed author and historian Joseph E. Persico explores FDR’s romance with Lucy Rutherfurd. Persico’s provocative conclusions about their relationship are informed by a revealing range of sources, including never-before-published letters and documents from Lucy Rutherfurd’s estate that attest to the intensity of the affair, which lasted much longer than was previously acknowledged.FDR’s connection with Lucy also creates an opportunity for Persico to take a more penetrating look at the other women in FDR’s life. We come to see more clearly how FDR’s infidelity contributed to Eleanor Roosevelt’s eventual transformation from a repressed Victorian to perhaps the greatest American woman of her century; how FDR’s strong-willed mother helped to strengthen his resolve in overcoming personal and public adversity; and how both paramours and platonic friends completed the world that FDR inhabited. In focusing on Lucy Rutherfurd and the other women who mattered to Roosevelt, Persico renders the most intimate portrait yet of an enigmatic giant of American history.

Praise for Franklin and Lucy

“Persico is judicious in his treatment of these sensitive matters. . . . He understands that Lucy Mercer helped FDR awaken his capacity for love and compassion, and thus helped him become the man to whom the nation will be eternally in debt.”—The Washington Post Book World

“A stylish and well-written book filled with interesting characters, marital dramas and spylike subterfuge.”—Chicago Tribune

“A powerful narrative that rarely fails to pull you along to the next chapter.”—Louisville Courier-Journal
“Utterly absorbing.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

About The Author

Joseph E. Perisco’s books include Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial, which was made into a television docudrama; Piercing the Reich, on the penetration of Nazi Germany by American agents; My American Journey (as collaborator with Colin Powell); and Roosevelt’s Secret War. He lives in Guilderland, New York.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Pamela on October 09, 2017

Really 2.5 stars for historical relevance. Of course the story was an interesting one, and one gets the feeling Mr. Persico has done his homework in terms of combing the official and unofficial historical record. But I had issues with the way he presented the story, as well as the players in it. Thi......more

Goodreads review by Judy on February 21, 2018

At its heart, a study of the immense female influences that were such a part of FDR's life, beginning with the unconditional, however smothering, love of his mother and ending with the presence of Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd who was with him at his death. An unflinching examination of his complex relatio......more

Goodreads review by Mahlon on August 25, 2016

3.5 This book was much more salacious and speculative than I was expecting, but still a well-written book that sheds light into an often under explored corner of FDR's life. I found Ted Barker's narration slightly distracting.......more

Goodreads review by Linda on January 27, 2022

When they married, Eleanor Roosevelt and her cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt loved each other deeply. Eleanor was pregnant with their first child when they returned from their honeymoon. Their childhood experiences were very different. Franklin was babied and spoiled by his mother. On the other hand......more


Quotes

“Just when you thought you knew everything about Franklin D. Roosevelt, think again. Joseph E. Persico [is] one of America’s finest historians. . . . You can’t properly understand FDR the man without reading this landmark study.”—Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at Rice University

“Persico’s exploration of FDR’s emotional life is fascinating.”USA Today

“Persico is judicious in his treatment of these sensitive matters. . . . He understands that Lucy Mercer helped FDR awaken his capacity for love and compassion, and thus helped him become the man to whom the nation will be eternally in debt.”Washington Post Book World

“A stylish and well-written book filled with interesting characters, marital dramas and spylike subterfuge.”Chicago Tribune

“A powerful narrative that rarely fails to pull you along to the next chapter. ”Louisville Courier-Journal

“Utterly absorbing.”Pittsburgh Post-Gazette