Being a lover of all things Roosevelt, I was thrilled to discover that not only is FDR's Top Cottage in Hyde Park open to the public, but that there is now even a book on this fascinating structure. FDR built Top Cottage as an answer to Eleanor's Val-Kill cottage, as a hideaway from the craziness of his mother's "big house" and as a place to retire. Sara Roosevelt was very opposed to this project and is rumored to have made FDR promise he would never spend the night there as long as she was alive. He apparently honored this commitment and never slept there overnight, even though she predeceased him by three years.

This house is fascinating for several reasons. First, it was designed by Roosevelt himself, with some help from architect Henry Toombs. This is perhaps the first house designed by a president since Jefferson's Poplar Forrest. It also has a barrier-free design for a wheelchair bound inividual--something unheard of in the 1930's. And with the exception of the Little White House is Warm Springs, Georgia, it was entirely his to decorate as he saw fit. Mother and wife had no influence here. FDR was able to use Top Cottage to escape, to entertain friends, and to even host royal dignitaries and important guests. Unfortunately, we know that he never lived out his dream to retire there.

When I ordered this book, based on the price and the description, I expected something of a coffee table-type book. In this regard, it is less than I expected. When the house was purchased in 1997 and before restoration took place, a "historic structure report" was completed. This report is the basis for the book. There are many photographs and drawings, although many are just variations on floor plans. All the photos are black and white. There are several interior pictures from the FDR years, but not nearly enough. One chapter details every room--walls, ceilings, baseboards, appliances, etc. Another lists everything that needed to be done to each and every room. This doesn't exactly make for riveting reading. The few interior pictures after the restoration show only empty rooms, and the reader is left wondering whether the cottage has been furnished or not.

Still, there is much information to be gleamed from this book for readers who are fascinated by the Roosevelt's. The story of the planning and construction of this dwelling is very informative, as well as how the cottage was used once constructed. This book also details the history of the cottage from the time of FDR's death until it was purchased for historic purposes in 1997. The author also goes into great depth about all the work that had to be done to restore the cottage to vintage FDR. While any Roosevelt fan will enjoy this book, it is a little rough going for a novice. Also, I thought the ... price tag a little steep. So while I did enjoy the book for what it was, it ended up being not quite what I expected.

Burroughs got used to being a black sheep early in his life, one gets the feeling. So he's willing to throw rocks at anyone. Certainly, an author whose main readership must have been well on the left had a lot of balls to go and rip the skin off that most untouchable of liberal sacred cows, Franklin Roosevelt.

In this book of short essays, Burroughs demonstrates not only his scathing gift for wild satire, but also his striking intelligence and insight. His essay SECTS AND DEATH begins with the incisive proposal that the purpose of art is to show us "what we know and do not know that we know." He sells this idea fairly convincingly in about two paragraphs, and those goes on to the main target of the piece, the Church and other cults, whose mission (he claims) is to prevent us from becoming aware of "what we know and do not know that we know."

The title piece is an hilarious and deeply offensive recounting of how FDR filled the government with typical Burroughs fantasy-characters, the most frightening kind of human dregs. (If you ever wondered where Hunter S. Thompson came from, this piece ought to convince you that he is Burroughs literary off-spring.)

In between, he zips off a little reminisence about when he decided he did NOT want to be president (before birth)...

It is Burroughs at his best: sober, coherent, and still utterly untamable. Needless to say, this stuff is not for the faint of heart.

Waldo H. Heinrichs is currently a professor of hisory at Temple University. In addition to writing Threshold of war he wrote the highly regarded American Ambassador. Joseph C. Grew. Threshold of war is regarded by many historians as one of the first modern comprehensive reviews of America's entry into World War II. In addition to looking at our entry into the war Heinrichs looks at American foreign policy and history in a broad global context, that examines both Asian and European diplomatic pressures and military strategies. Heinrich wrote his book because he believes that there are many views on how America entered World War II, but that a better understanding, and a more comprehensive look was needed. Heinrich also has a differnt view on how and when America became involved with World War II. He claims that the War actually started before Pearl Harbor with a string of events, starting with the stock market crash of 1929 and ending with Hitler's violation of the Munich agreement, and Japan's invasion of Indo China. Heinrichs also portrays Roosevelt in a very good light in his book. Heinrich uses a narrative writing style that is obviously directed towards the non historian. He presents both his views and his facts in an easy going style that was very enjoyable to read. One draw back however, in my opinion, was that he jumps from one event to another. Over all the book was well written, well researched and very enjoyable. Heinrichs does an excellent job at portraying the tension and problems Roosevlt faced in the months leading up to War. The bibliography is also a wealth of information for history students.

Rachel Stern, Jack Halder, and Harry Weaver are all friends working on an archeological dig in Egypt in 1939. Both Jack and Harry are actually in love with Rachel, but war in Europe looms and the three must part. Rachel, a German Jew, and her parents plan to wait out the war in Istanbul while Harry returns home to the USA and Jack to Germany. However, they're destined to meet in Sakkara again in early 1944 as Jack and Rachel lead a German commando team whose mission is to assassinate Franklin Roosevelt as he meets with Winston Churchill in Egypt. And it's Harry's job to stop them.

This book is loosely based on an actual German mission that apparently came very close to succeeding. However the addition of Jack, Rachel, and Harry are pure fiction. And the author has taken liberties with how the mission was actually conducted which is, of course, his perogative. I was bothered by a number of things with this book. First, why is it that the heroes can always take beatings, gunshot wounds, stabbings, etc and it never slows them down. I know, I know, it's fiction. But this sort of thing threatens the versimlitude of the story and makes you leave the author's world. Second, why do the bad guys, whenever they have the good guy at their mercy, always do dumb things. For instance, at the end the evil Major Kleist (a cartoon SS major who's also along on the mission) has the drop and both Harry and Jack (who have joined forces by this time, don't ask). Kleist hates them both, Jack because he's the son of a rich Prussian, Harry because he's the enemy. Kleist relishes their death as he holds a machine pistol on them. One pull of the trigger and our two heroes are both history. However, Kleist has even a better idea. Let's get them into the boat and drop them in the Nile for the crocodiles. Of course this gives Jack and Harry the opportunity they need to escape. Nitpicky? Perhaps. But if the situation is dumb, the author doesn't have to put them into it. There are other ways to do these kind of things.

Another example. To find out if Roosevelt is really in the secure compound Harry and Kleist have to crawl through a dirty, dusty tunnel which takes them past the defenses and onto the grounds. They're wearing US Army uniforms. They walk freely about the secure compound and Harry actually gets right next to Roosevelt. Didn't they get dirty from crawling through the tunnel? Even if they weren't recognized for Axis spies the first officer who'd seen them in the dirty uniforms would have stopped them, especially with the President of the US nearby. Once again, details the break the versimlitude of the story.

The ending. I won't give you details, but it drags on and on and on.

This was my first Glenn Meade book and it will probably be my last.

This was an excellent story about World War II. Three friends who share quality time at Sakkara on an archeological expedition are seperated by the War. Harry Waever is in military intelligence for the United States. His other two friends,Jack Halder and Rachel Stern are at work for the Nazis. They are setting up a German plan to assasinate Roosevelt and Churchill in Egypt. It is up to Weaver to stop them. They are of course reunited. This excellent book has many surprises as well as many

twists and turns. The book will definitely leave you wondering what if? Be sure to read this book, you will not be dissapointed.

Having read all Meade's books to date, I'd definitely recommend The Sands of Sakkara. It's slightly different to Brandenburg and Snow Wolf--but then who wants the same menu all the time? It has a great cast of characters, an excellent storyline, and some terrific twists--what the hell more do you want? Also, the fact that the story is based on a factual event makes it all the more compelling. I don't know what the reader Bobbiewig@aol.com means by trends--and that reader sure has his facts wrong: Brandenburg was Meade's first book, and Snow Wolf his second. Some folks like nothing better than to gripe! And you can't expect a writer to serve up the same dish each meal--enjoy the difference, don't knock it. Besides, Meade is a far better thriller writer than anyone in the genre. He knows how to keep a story moving, his characters are memorable, often truly wonderful, and his books not only entetaining, but moving and sincere. The latter two facets you rarely get in this genre, and for me they're a marvellous bonus. Meade's among the very best I've read in the last twenty years--and possibly the very best. Enjoy!

I was completly uninitiated with the works or life of Mr. Vidal. But I must say that since I've been reading the book and afterwards I've been fascinated with both him and his times. This can not be a bad thing since we as Americans are quit ignorant when it comes to history of even the last 40 years. I found the book slow in places, yes; bitchy at times, a little; but I always went to work the next day feeling entertained and enlightened not only with the incredible intellect of Gore, but the glittering times, the fantastic people, and the odd political thinking of the author. Oh, and lest I forget; I dearly loved the underplayed yet prevailant descriptions of the sexual activity of the times and the exploits of some. What a treat. I'm not politically the same as Gore, but I do agree with him in art, sex, and a personal work ethic. You Freudians can go take a hike. At least Gore is honest and fun!

A memoir can only be as good as the life the author has lead. Gore Vidal has in my estimation lead one of the most fascinating lives of our time. This memoir covers his life up to age 39, the years when he was a firsthand witness to American History and culture. He gives us insight into the lives of some amazing friends from Jackie Kennedy (Vidal's step-sister) and Ellanor Roosevelt, to Tennessee Williams. These are the memories of a man who was instumental in shaping the culture we live in today. He's been percieved negatively because he got stuck with the homosexual label, but he shows us here the realities of the society he lived in, a society that he wasn't all that different from after all. This is far and away the most interesting biography/autobiography/memoir type book I've come across. Anyone who wasn't there to witness history themselves should check out Me. Vidal's version of it.

..a line from one of his earlier books, which perfectly describes Mr. Vidal. I give Palimpsest a mere "9." Entertaining as this book is, Mr. Vidal leaves out the best parts, those being what he did AFTER he turned 40. What a magnificent life he has led, and I hope he's pounding out the second volume instead of wasting his time and ours on silly fantasies like "Smithsonian Institution." Mr. Vidal is far too young, mentally and chronologically, to devolve into such goofiness. Write more essays, please! We fans can't get enough of his dead-on social and political analyses layered with his wicked and terrible wit and his "been there, done that" crankiness. Mr. Vidal is the only living celebrity I'd love to have lunch with, but would wager my 401(k) plan that he is THE orneriest person on the planet and not much fun to talk to. Reading him is another story -- he is simply the best, no matter what he is writing about. READ Palimpsest, READ Burr, Lincoln, Hollywood, Washington DC, READ Myra Breckenridge, Live from Golgotha and Duluth and even Smithsonian Institution. Especially check out Mr. Vidal's essays. His body of work is amazing; you WILL learn something of yourself in every paragraph. Palimpsest tells you where Mr. Vidal came from -- his books and essays tell you who he is, and what we Americans should be thinking about. Go and READ! You will not be disappointed. Palimpsest is the very best introduction to Gore Vidal -- it will make you run to the library and devour everything he's ever written.

'By Order of the President' is a book that attempts to show how involved Franklin D. Roosevelt was in the internment of a group of Americans during World War II (more specifically, the Americans whom ancestrally came from Japan). The book starts out by detailing FDR's youth and pre-presidential opinions of the Japanese portion of the American population, as well as his position on the Japanese of Japan's population. It then proceeds to present the events that led to the internment and how the president contributed to the process. After the preliminary details on internment, Robinson goes on to bring forth facts and information in accordance with the continuation and eventual dismemberment of the internment as well as Roosevelt's involvement in the process.

Robinson's work presents many facets of popular and unpopular interpretations of FDR's involvement in the events leading to, and beginning the internment - as well as presenting details as to why each opinion is in existence. His book notably allows the reader to see into the meetings and investigations that went into the original initiation of the internment, as well as the misinterpretations and lies that led to the ongoing existence of internment. Robinson sets out to show the true circumstances and events surrounding the prosecution and incarceration of the so-called Japanese American population as well as the involvement of the president in the matter, who seems to have actually been in support of the internment.

The book presents its literary style in a very attractive manner and will keep the reader involved, despite the fact that the author does seem to use commas a bit excessively. Despite the title of the book, however, the book mostly centers on the positions and deliberations of the president's advisors - something that needs to be presented, but is focused on exceedingly in this case. Nevertheless, the factual evidence about FDR that Robinson does present is compelling and is demonstrative of the true nature of FDR. The facts are largely presented in such a way as not to force an opinion on the reader, but rather to allow the reader to come upon their own conclusions - a writing style that is seemingly growing rarer with every passing year.

Overall, 'By Order of the President' is a work that should not go ignored and which presents the opinions of the president on internment, as well as how these opinions led to the internment of Americans under the pretext that they were dangerous due to their ancestry. Robinson presents a pleasing literary style and I personally look forward to any future publications by the author. The book is therefore highly suggested for anyone interested in Franklin D. Roosevelt, civil rights, American history, or the World War II era in general.

While United States pop culture has tradditionally portrayed the 40's as a binary of freedom vs. facism, this book exposes the truth that had long been supressed behind ideological walls.

The United States was in fact guilty of it's own internment of an entire group of people based on their involuntary membership in a subordinated group. Although taken to a lesser extent than that of the Nazi's, the actual reality of the country's actions severely clashes with the images of freedom and justice used to marshall support for the war effort.

Paranoia and bias about the potential actions of a few people led to the stereotyping of millions. Their only crime was being of Asian descent in a world where racism and fear was rampant.

The actual event in itself is still shocking, but what is even more shocking was that it happened under one of the great liberals whose presidency had been irevocably cross-referenced with the quest for social justice. FDR had openly built his presidency on advocating for the disavantaged and giving them access to the American dream, something which obviously did not happen here.

to whoever wrote the review about "sickening anti-americanism"- that is completely ridiculous. the conditions in the internment camps are not the issues i am speaking of; it was the concept of forcefully interning american citizens that i find disgusting. that you defend this action is even more disgusting. perhaps you should rate the book- which i found extremely interesting- more on the basis of the information it gave rather than your view of American presidents being unable to do any wrong.

This reviewer has read many books about Franklin Roosevelt, but not many recently because they are too repetitious. What did I find out here that I didn't read before?- Roosevelt's last evening on earth seemed to be somewhat pleasant. Although he looked tired, after a drink he spoke with animation about his forthcoming trip to the San Francisco United Nations Conference. The following afternoon, April 12th, his next to last words were "I have a terrific pain in the back of my head." His last words as he was carried to his room were "Be careful." A statement on page 51 about the religions could be interpreted as biased or prejudiced. However, he appointed men of all major religions to high office. So in this case actions spoke louder than words.

The title of the new book from Michael Beschloss is completely accurate, once you understand the meaning of THE CONQUERORS: Roosevelt, Truman and the Destruction of Hitler's Germany, 1941-1945. The key word in that title is not "conquerors"; very little attention is given to Bradley, Patton and the military efforts to defeat the Axis Powers. The focus of the book is not on the disposition of forces, the overall grand strategies, or the use of air power. Beschloss concentrates not on the destruction of German military might but on the destruction of the idea of Hitler's Germany. The conflict in THE CONQUERORS is intellectual rather than physical. It is not about the battle for Germany but the battle for the hearts and minds of postwar Germans. The challenge, as the Allied leaders saw it, was how to prevent another war and how to ensure that Germany could not and would not trouble the peace of the world again.

THE CONQUERORS is primarily the story of the Morgenthau Plan, an ill-starred attempt by Roosevelt's Treasury Secretary, Henry Morgenthau, to impact American policy in postwar Germany. The plan involved the wholesale destruction of German manufacturing capacity and the immediate execution of Nazi leaders; opponents described it as "Carthaginian." Beschloss describes how Morgenthau, Roosevelt's closest Jewish friend, was influenced by early reports of the Holocaust and frustrated by his failure to convince FDR to take action to stop the grisly machinery of the concentration camps. Morgenthau is the primary character in the book; his private letters and papers are the main source of material for Beschloss. As a result, the focus of THE CONQUERORS is Morgenthau's experience, which primarily consists of bureaucratic infighting among the Treasury, State and War Departments, as well as the new Truman Administration.

The result is a masterful work, yet it is a little dry for the casual reader. Moreover, Beschloss provides little in the way of second-guessing, preferring instead to let the story of the Morgenthau Plan explain itself. This allows the reader to see the problems of postwar Germany the way that Roosevelt and Truman saw them --- complete with asides about Roosevelt's boyhood vacations in Bavaria and Truman's reflexive anti-Semitism. However, aside from a brief introduction and conclusion, Beschloss provides little analysis of the mistakes, if any, that were made by Roosevelt, Truman and Morgenthau. Furthermore, Beschloss provides little or no detail about the crucial issue of how and why the Morgenthau Plan was dropped in favor of the more lenient (and ultimately more successful) Marshall Plan.

THE CONQUERORS is a valuable book, if a little frustrating in spots. It sheds light on a period only dimly understood by most and it does a good service by putting Henry Morgenthau in the spotlight of history once more. While it may not be as meaty as a good rehash of the war in the European theater, it is still important and vital.

--- Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds

World War II has been one of the most popular subjects in book publishing in the last few years. But much of those books like Tom Brokaw's Greatest Generation series and the late Stephen Ambrose's books focused on the average foot soldier's experiences. Presidential historian Michael Beschloss' The Conquerors looks at the men at the highest ranking of power, most notably Franklin D. Roosevelt. Mr. Beschloss is an obvious devotee to FDR and he considers him the most important world leader of the 20th century, but the book is even-handed in its assessment of FDR's handling of the war and post war Germany. Most notable is FDR's take on the Holocaust and his Treasury secretary Henry Morgenthau's efforts to convince FDR to take a more active role in stopping the concentration camps. The fact that FDR was reflecting the views of day toward Judaism is not an excuse in Mr. Beschloss' mind for his passive attitude towards dealing with that most harrowing of situations. Though much of the subject matter has been recounted in far too many other books to note, Mr. Beschloss' writing style is more entertaining than most. While he deals with high-minded subject matter, he presents it in an intelligent, yet ease to digest manner.

This book did not cover the most important aspects of the amazing presidency of Roosevelt. It rather covered the details of things that were said about him and his opposition. I found a lot of the book to be a waste, for example in the chapter entitled "FDR and the Kingfish" the majority of the chapter was written about Huey Long and not about Roosevelt. If you want to learn about what FDR did read the encyclopedia.

In this fine collection of essays, William Leuchtenburg provides an excellent companion piece to his masterpiece, Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. Anyone interested in a general overview of FDR's presidency should check out that book first. This is meant more as a series of insights on highly specific topics, mostly culled from invited lectures that Leuchtenburg has given around the world.

Davis has completed five books of his proposed six book effort to write the definitive biography of Franklin Roosevelt. This book is superbly researched and factual, but it isn't as interesting as his previous books on FDR. Davis bogs down in trivial and irritating detail, which is peculiar, since the years 1937-1940 are among the most engrossing of Roosevelt's life. Davis is best when he examines FDR's behind the scenes preparation for war against Hitler and his deft maneuvering with the incoming Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Less is written about his relationship with Neville Chamberlain, the hapless P.M. who preceded Churchill.

Davis is weaker on forging memorable portraits of the intimate personal relationships in FDR's life. There is a singular lack of understanding of Eleanor Roosevelt in this volume, nor is there much said about Roosevelt's children, his secretary Missy LeHand or other pivotal members of the FDR milieu. Davis does explore in interesting depth the effect of Howe's death upon FDR.

Roosevelt was a mercurial and difficult to understand character. His charismatic public facade masked some inner demons and foibles, which Davis painstakingly illuminates. This is an interesting, though ultimately, flawed effort.

I have read Davis' entire four volume set on FDR and found this volume excellent on detail, but somewhat biased in favor of FDR and his war-time policies. Davis has a novelistic flair to his writing that can make what might be a dry subject quite interesting and exciting. I understand there will be a fifth volume from Davis in this series. If anyone can provide more detail as to the status of this volume I would be greatful.

Other reviewers have accurately noted that Maney both praises and criticizes Roosevelt. I based my purchase on this expectation of a balanced portrait. What they didn't note is that both the criticism and the praise are done from an extreme left perspective.

Unlike most books written about FDR from the left, Maney does address some of the low points in Roosevelt's presidency. However, when doing so he at times goes into bizarre explanations/justifications which left me scratching my head. For example:

1) Roosevelt's plunging the recovering economy back into depression in 1937 by deliberately shrinking the money supply and reducing government spending. Explanation: He only meant to slow down the growth of the economy, he couldn't have expected this to slow down the economy.
2) Roosevelt's decision to imprison Japanese Americans in WWII against the advice of J. Edgar Hoover (no softie on security!). Explanation: It wasn't his fault, he was given bad advice by the people he appointed.
3) Roosevelt's postwar plan to create a soviet style economic model in the US where the government could dictate which job any person had ("labor draft"), and guaranteed food, shelter, clothing, and recreation to all in return. Explanation: The fact that he didn't advocate the abolition of corporations and the total redistribution of all wealth shows that Roosevelt was becoming a moderate.

I wouldn't have believed these examples (and others), had I not read the book! The other thing that surprised me were some of the horrifying things Roosevelt did which clearly didn't bother the author at all. For example, neither Roosevelt's attempt to "purge" the Democratic party of those he deemed not ideologically pure, nor his breaking the back of the supreme court in the infamous "court packing" case troubled the author.

With all this said, the worst part of the book by far was the concluding chapter "Reputation and Legacies". This last rambling chapter bemoans the fact that President Carter could not have predicted from FDR's experience that restricting the national oil supply would create a recession. He drones on for several pages on this theme of how FDR let the world down by not having the foresight to give advice to future Democratic presidents. The final paragraph concludes with "There is much to admire about Roosevelt... yet as the experience of his successors helped confirm, his greatness was much too deeply rooted in the circumstances of his own times... Among presidents, alas, [FDR] was not a man for all seasons." While I'm not opposed to criticizing Roosevelt, this is as unfair as it is disappointing. How can we blame FDR for addressing the key issues during his presidency? At the same time, important topics like the legacy of Social Security, FDR's decision to give Stalin N. Korea, the complicity of members from the Roosevelt administration in bringing Mao to power in China (to name a few) are left undiscussed.

Despite its lack of heft, Patrick Maney has produced a wonderfully balanced and nuanced portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Indeed, Maney's book may be the finest jumping off point for those looking to get acquainted with FDR in full bloom, and not just with the nostalgic, sometimes mawkish, remembrances of politicians.

When it comes to FDR, far too many readers, including a number of other reviewers here, only want to hear about positive aspects: the New Deal, winning World War II, etc. As a professional historian, Maney is not in the business of producing such hagiographies. As such, what we have here is the cool judgment and dispassionate analysis of a writer who is constructing a narrative of the historical record; not someone who is cheerleading for a particular political persuasion. Those who want a softer and friendlier treatment of Roosevelt should look elsewhere.

In addition to Roosevelt's many triumphs, Maney provides great detail about some of FDR's more negative aspects, such the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, or his near pathological secrecy that kept him from grooming a successor. Maney also lays bare Roosevelt's personal peccadilloes, such as his long-term affair with Lucy Mercer.

In the end, Maney has done a fine job of presenting Roosevelt, and he should be commended.

All ya'll been about misreviewing this book, but it was tight, yo! My man Maney gets scientific in his approach of talking about a cat nobody can touch, and he has the cojones to take a stand, and tell that s--t real. And none of you ever been to the Depression, so don't be even trying to talk about how he was wrong about it. Give Maney props, he gives an even-handed book telling of the many things, good and bad, or Franklin Roosevelt, our former president.