"Conrad Black makes a thorough and compelling case for his view that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the most important person of the 20th Century. Whether overcoming painful physical barriers or leading the country through the Great Depression and World War II, FDR demonstrated the heroic qualities that define the "Greatest Generation" - faith, optimism, strength and vision." FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON "Thoughtful and readable." -- HENRY KISSINGER "A monument to industry and research, it comprehensively covers the waterfront and it brings in the kind of generous and admiring verdict that might not necessarily have been expected from so partisan a press proprietor." -- ANTHONY HOWARD SUNDAY TIMES "One of the funniest and cleverest essays in the analysis of American politics ever written, worthy to rank beside the work of Theodore H White or AJ Liebling." -- JOHN KEEGAN DAILY TELEGRAPH "Monumental and masterful biography... This is a brilliant, scholarly, fluent and stimulating read, rich in detail and anecdote, full of robust opinions, enlivened by dry humour and composed with restraint if not economy... a prodigious contribution to an understanding of the pivotal events of America's 20th century." -- RAYMOND SEITZ THE TIMES "Black's prose bowls the reader effortlessly along: he seamlessly weaves together the political and personal... a truly splendid achievement." -- ANDREW ROBERTS DAILY TELEGRAPH reprinted in the IRISH INDEPENDENT "Formidable, well-organised and punchy volume... full, illuminating and fascinating to read... People will argue about FDR till the end of time. Black has put together a powerful case for the defence which belongs on the shelves of all those who take history seriously." -- PAUL JOHNSON SUNDAY TELEGRAP[H "A formidable thing... Black obviously adores Roosevelt." -- JAY PARINI GUARDIAN "Conrad Black researches and writes with unflagging energy... he marshals a decent narrative... and puts his judgement firmly on the line. This is proper history, tended with proper academic care." -- PETER PRESTON THE OBSERVER "Conrad Black's life of Franklin Roosevelt is a great achievement and all the more welcome for being more than a little surprising." "A fine achievement for any historian, let alone one who has other calls on his time." THE ECONOMIST "Black is good on Roosevelt the man and on his personal life." -- GEOFFREY WHEATCROFT SPECTATOR "Emerges as a distinguished historian with a magnificently researched study of Franklin D Roosevelt... Lord Crossharbour has done us all a service with this masterly story about a great man." -- GEOFFREY GOODMAN TRIBUNE "Black should be read by anyone interested in America, particularly her contemporary critics, every politician, especially radicals and by politico-theologians... Undergraduates will find the final chapter a marvellous summary for essays without having to read the book. There cannot be higher praise for a wonderful read." THE HERALD "One of the best one-volume biographies of Roosevelt yet. a worthy and important addition to the vast literature on the most important modern American leader." NEW YORK TIMES "A deft writer who applies to one of the most influential men of the 20th century what he has learned from a career of sizing up people and their ambitions... At 1,280 pages, it's a companion for the long haul -- and an engrossing one, thanks to the storytelling and the pungency of its judgments. Lord Black draws on FDR's papers and archives, various memoirs and the work of Roosevelt scholars ranging from Geoffrey Ward and Kenneth Davis to Doris Kearns Goodwin and Arthur Schlesinger." WALL STREET JOURNAL "Sweeping and persuasive... not only the best one-volume life of the 32nd president but the best at any length, bound to be widely read and discussed." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "A staggering work of biography and social history, documenting in exquisite detail... sound, sturdy, masterfully done." KIRKUS " A fascintating study of both the large and small issues in this great man's long political career... Grandparents should buy this book to remind themselves of the dangers they faced in their youth: and then they should give a copy to their grandchildren who will learn more about the 20th century than they are likely to learn in school or from Hollywood" -- Claus von Bulow CATHOLIC HERALD "It's an enthralling read. Roosevelt was a colossal figure and it has taken another massive personality to give him the biography he deserves." IRISH TIMES
