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The Roosevelts: An American Saga Audiobook
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(4.00) - 159 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The story of the Roosevelts is usually seen as a tale of two presidents—Theodore and Franklin—separated by time and politics, and of two families—the Oyster Bay and Hyde Park branches—that had little to do with each other. Collier and Horowitz paint an explosive new portrait which offers a completely unique view of America's longest lasting and most powerful dynasty.
In this brilliant biography, we are given a look inside a family divided—two branches involved in an epic battle for the family legacy. We see for the first time how the ideals of two presidents were passed on to members of later generations, ennobling some and crushing others. The Roosevelts is a rare look at what brought this exceptional group of people together and what drove them apart.
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"Eye-opening book. It really taught me a lot about American history and the Rockefeller's role in it. I also learned more about the symbiotic relationship between U.S. banking and politics. Pretty messed up. "
— John (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Engrossing...one comes to understand that Theodore Roosevelt belonged to an age that was dying, though he was perhaps its finest expression. And Franklin Delano Roosevelt, for all his character flaws, was perfectly suited to the new age that had begun.”
— Patrick Buchanan -
“Fascinating reading...evenhanded descriptions are not gradually a virtue of popular history, but they are only the most remarkable of the many virtues of this one...Truly first-rate.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“As deftly organized, smoothly written, and psychologically penetrating as any of its predecessors.”
— Washington Post Book World -
“Collier and Horowitz have performed the extraordinary task of…deconstructing the densely packed array of ambitions, anxieties, responsibilities, traumas, and opportunities thrown on the rich and famous from birth.”
— Washington Monthly -
“[Collier] spices every page with tidbits that make the book a pleasure instead of a history lesson.”
— Entertainment Weekly -
“The Roosevelts reads like a novel, rife with lively characters and intriguing circumstances…[Jeff Riggenbach’s] sincere yet alluring presentation gives listeners an aloof intimacy with their subjects, feeling all at once part of the family yet grateful for the detachment. This production stands out as a model for audio biography.”
— AudioFile
The Roosevelts Listener Reviews
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" Phew. Theodore and Franklin sure had dysfunctional families. This book gives a good overview of the target's lives as well as their kids' lives. "
— Linda, 12/4/2013 -
" I liked both Roosevelt and Kennedy, because he writes more about the people rather than just the history. "
— Jeffrey, 8/12/2012 -
" Alright, so it's history gossip, but its pretty compelling stuff. Very enjoyable read. "
— Jenny, 6/11/2012 -
" A great account of the Roosevelt family including both Theodore's and FDR's side of the family. "
— Timothy, 3/3/2012 -
" This was a good book - it had a lot of background information in it that I wasn't familiar with. I found it interesting, and the writing was fine. "
— Eileen, 2/27/2012 -
" Peter Collier always writes about American Dynasties--he has a talent for it. Though there's much better books about individuals in this family, he somehow gets to the heart of how these families work. "
— Adam, 2/9/2012 -
" When I decided 15 years to read at least one book about each U.S. Presidents, the Roosevelts were the first to come to mind. "
— Sue, 9/8/2011 -
" Interesting story, but not the greatest writing or editing. I've already found three or four typos and quite a few very poorly constructed sentences. It's really a shame that I read this way! "
— Franny, 7/27/2011 -
" This was a fascinating look at the Oyster Bay (Teddy) and the Hyde Park (FDR) Roosevelts, filled with insightful anecdotes into the characters of these political figures. "
— Becky, 10/30/2010 -
" Gives both sides of the story, the Oyster Bay and Hyde Park clans, in their epic struggle to capture TR's legacy. This needs to be made into a movie... perhaps I need a new career? "
— Jfarley, 6/2/2010 -
" Not as good as thier BIO on the Roosevvelts, I found it hard to care once they got past JD Rockefeller and JDII "
— David, 9/9/2009 -
" Interesting story, but not the greatest writing or editing. I've already found three or four typos and quite a few very poorly constructed sentences. It's really a shame that I read this way! "
— Franny, 5/7/2009 -
" This was a good book - it had a lot of background information in it that I wasn't familiar with. I found it interesting, and the writing was fine. "
— Eileen, 5/28/2008 -
" When I decided 15 years to read at least one book about each U.S. Presidents, the Roosevelts were the first to come to mind. "
— Sue, 2/6/2008 -
" Peter Collier always writes about American Dynasties--he has a talent for it. Though there's much better books about individuals in this family, he somehow gets to the heart of how these families work. "
— Adam, 12/10/2007
About Peter Collier
Peter Collier has worked as an author and editor for over forty years. During that time, he has written novels, short stories and screenplays, along with bestselling biographies. His works include The Kennedys: An American Dream and The Anti-Chomsky Reader, both with David Horowitz.
About Jeff Riggenbach
Jeff Riggenbach (1947-2021) narrated numerous titles for Blackstone Audio and won an AudioFile Earphones Award. An author, contributing editor, and producer, he worked in radio in San Francisco for more than thirty years, earning a Golden Mike Award for journalistic excellence.