FDR and His Enemies A History [Paperback]

Not since the Civil War was America so riven by conflict as it was during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. His bold initiatives and his willingness to break historic precedent in handling the Great Depression and the coming of World War II were challenged by giant figures of the era, powerful public men each with their own fierce constituencies. Albert Fried brings out the tremendous drama in Roosevelt's ideological and personal struggle with five influential men: ex-New York governor and presidential candidate Al Smith, the enormously popular radio priest Charles E. Coughlin, Louisiana Senator Huey Long, labor champion John L. Lewis, and the universally adored aviator Charles A. Lindbergh. An enthralling story of a critical period in twentieth century history,FDR and His Enemiesreveals the intellectual, moral, and tactical underpinnings of a great debate in which Roosevelt always triumphed.

Fried's thesis is fresh and . . . a valuable addition to understanding how Roosevelt maintained confidence in the federal government while winning re-election three times. Publishers Weekly

Fried masterfully weaves a fascinating and important history in prose that reflects the basis for his two previous Pulitzer Prize nominations. Library Journal

Introduction: Politics and Popularity * Winning the Prize * The First New Deal * Roosevelt Triumphant * The Isolationist Impulse * Denouement

Albert Fried brings out the tremendous drama in Roosevelt's ideological and personal struggle with five influential men: Al Smith, Father Charles E. Coughlin, Huey Long, John L. Lewis, and Charles A. Lindbergh.

Albert Friedis Professor of history at the State University of New York, Purchase. He has published many books and was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. His books includeCommunism in America; McCarthyism: The Great American Red Scare;andThe Rise and Fall of the Jewish Gangster in America.