FDR's Mentors: Navigating the Path to Greatness

Michael J. Gerhardt

Apr 2024 · Highbridge Audio · Narrated by Danny Campbell

About this audiobook

A unique and illuminating exploration of the key relationships that shaped Franklin Delano Roosevelt into one of America's most definitive leaders and impacted his influence on the world stage, from the acclaimed author of Lincoln's Mentors Franklin Delano Roosevelt wasn't a born leader. He became one. As a boy he was in poor health, was insecure, and an average student at best. Growing into manhood, the lessons he learned came not from books but from influencers of his lifetime, beginning with Endicott Peabody, the most renowned US headmaster of the twentieth century. He instilled in Roosevelt a confidence and strength that empowered the young student and propelled him to greatness as one of the most revered presidents of the United States. For Roosevelt, Peabody was only one of a small number of people who helped him develop the skills and temperament that enabled him to overcome the devastating effects of polio, to lead the nation through two crises, and to secure America's leadership in the world. In FDR's Mentors, Michael Gerhardt tells the extraordinary stories of the men and women who had a vital impact on Roosevelt's life, career, and pragmatic personality: his distant cousin Teddy; his wife Eleanor; President Woodrow Wilson; journalist Lewis Howe; Winston Churchill; and New York Democratic Party leader Al Smith.

About the author

Michael J. Gerhardt is Burton Craig Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Scholar in Residence at the National Constitution Center, and the acclaimed author of nonfiction books including Lincoln's Mentors, The Federal Impeachment Process, and The Power of Precedent.

A classically trained actor, director, and teacher with many regional Shakespeare plays to his credit, Danny Campbell has narrated over 150 titles and directed at least that many. He is a multiple AudioFile Earphones Award winner and was named one of AudioFile's Best of the Year 2017.