Carol Kelly-Gangi - Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: Their Essential Wisdom

On August 13, 1921, Franklin Delano Roosevelt lay immobilized in his bed, completely paralyzed from the chest down. Just days before, hed been enjoying the summer with his family and some close friends at their Campobello retreat. After a day spent swimming with his children, he felt weak and listless; he skipped dinner and went upstairs to bed. Within a day, he lost the ability to walk and all feeling in his legs. Within weeks, doctors confirmed the grim diagnosis of polio.

By March of the following year, Franklin was fitted with heavy steel leg braces. The only way he would ever walk again was with the use of braces and crutches. Franklins mother, Sara, a loving but controlling woman, implored him to return to Hyde Park and live a quiet life as an invalid. Franklin and his wife, Eleanor, found themselves at a crossroads. Though Eleanor had dealt with much sorrow over the yearsincluding the death of a child and Franklins infidelityshe would later recall this as the most trying time of her life. Franklin faced this sudden tragedy with a remarkable courage and stoicism that helped to bolster Eleanor; she put her heart and soul into caring for her husband. In time, Eleanor, along with FDRs close friend and political advisor Louis Howe, came to believe that Franklin still had a bright political future ahead of him. They were determined to keep his political connections intact and do all they could to support and encourage him back into the political arena.

On June 26, 1924, Franklin returned to the limelight of national politics delivering a riveting speech nominating Al Smith at the Democratic National Convention. Though Smith lost the nomination, FDR had fought his way back into politics. It was a path that would lead him to the White House for an unprecedented four terms as president. As president, he masterfully led the country out of the Great Depression and through the darkest days of World War II. His larger-than-life personality, vigorous leadership style, and can-do spirit of optimism did much to restore hope to a forlorn nation. For her part, Eleanor became the greatest first lady the country had ever seen, a tireless humanitarian and champion for the underprivileged, and the most revered woman of her generation.

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: Their Essential Wisdom gathers hundreds of memorable quotations from this fascinating and complex couple. The selections have been culled from their individual speeches, broadcasts, remarks, interviews, books, letters, and other writings. Both were prolific writers, their collective writings account for millions of pages of documents that are now housed at the Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, New York.

The excerpts are arranged thematically and give, it is hoped, some additional insight into Franklin and Eleanorboth as a couple and as individualsrevealing their deeply held views, dynamic leadership styles, and keen political minds. In the selections, Franklin speaks passionately about America and the American way of life; he expresses his anger at the economic royalty whom he faults in part for Americas descent into the Great Depression; and he eloquently expresses his belief that freedom will prevail with an ultimate Allied victory in World War II. Eleanor shares her fervent belief in equality for all Americans, offers insight into the realities of the peace process, and expresses her hope for an end to poverty. Elsewhere, the Roosevelts impart their singular wisdom on such subjects as the quest for freedom, the right to education, the brutalities of war, the value of history, and the meaning of true friendship.

Still other selections offer a more personal glimpse into Franklin and Eleanors lives. During their engagement, Franklin writes to his mother of being the happiest man just now in the world with Eleanor; Eleanor writes Franklin ardent letters expressing her undying devotion to him. Even after years of marriage, Franklin writes lovingly to Eleanor asking about their chicks and expressing his longing to see her and the children. Eleanor fondly recalls family Christmas celebrations during their White House years, and thoughtfully reflects on the joys and trials of motherhood. The last chapter of the book includes quotations from family, friends, historians, writers, and politicians who share their memories and offer insights about the couple and their enduring legacies.

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: Their Essential Wisdom invites readers to revisit the words of this extraordinary couple whose boundless strength, fierce determination, and bold leadership, coupled with an unabashed willingness to defy convention, left a profound mark on the history of America and the world.

Carol Kelly-Gangi

2014