Traitor to His Class

The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

By: H. W. Brands

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

A sweeping, magisterial biography of the man generally considered the greatest president of the twentieth century, admired by Democrats and Republicans alike. Traitor to His Class sheds new light on FDR's formative years, his remarkable willingness to champion the concerns of the poor and disenfranchised, his combination of political genius, firm leadership, and matchless diplomacy in saving democracy in America during the Great Depression and the American cause of freedom in World War II.

Drawing on archival materials, public speeches, personal correspondence, and accounts by family and close associates, acclaimed bestselling historian and biographer H. W. Brands offers a compelling and intimate portrait of Roosevelt’s life and career.

Brands explores the powerful influence of FDR’s dominating mother and the often tense and always unusual partnership between FDR and his wife, Eleanor, and her indispensable contributions to his presidency. Most of all, the book traces in breathtaking detail FDR’s revolutionary efforts with his New Deal legislation to transform the American political economy in order to save it, his forceful—and cagey—leadership before and during World War II, and his lasting legacy in creating the foundations of the postwar international order.

Traitor to His Class brilliantly captures the qualities that have made FDR a beloved figure to millions of Americans.

©2008 H. W. Brands; (P)2008 Books on Tape

A man who changed America

Seventy six years ago one of America’s most important presidents died, but in his wake you see how he truly changed this country for the better. Programs that we take for granted today such as social security and the GI Bill were radical for the time. This man changed how America is today and this book explores his life and everything that made him the man he was.

Well-researched, excellent performance

Brand covers history and politics, along with the story of an interesting man and his interesting family. One of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to.

A human story of greatness

FDR teaches us that to be an effective reformer, you must be an excellent politician.

A great book about a great man

I'm no historian, I don't know the whole story. But I left after listening to this feeling that I know some of who this man was, this Franklin, Delano Roosevelt. A fine man. A good American.

I recommend listening to this or anyone, interested in our history. For that matter, just to learn about a spectacular man.

Excellent insight into FDR

Mr. Brands delves deeply into FDR’s life to show us a human going through life and developing. We see his strengths and weaknesses, his mistakes and triumphs.

The narration by Mr. Deakins is perfect.