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The Hopkins Touch

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The Hopkins Touch

By: David Roll
Narrated by: Fleet Cooper
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About this listen

The Hopkins Touch offers the first portrait in over two decades of the most powerful man in Roosevelt's administration. David Roll shows how Harry Hopkins, an Iowa-born social worker who had been an integral part of the New Deal's implementation, became the linchpin in FDR's - and America's - relationships with Churchill and Stalin, and spoke with an authority second only to the president's. Gaunt, nearly spectral, and malnourished following an operation to remove part of his stomach, the newly widowed Hopkins accepted the president's invitation to move into the White House in 1940 and remained Roosevelt's closest advisor, speechwriter, sounding board, and friend nearly to the end.

Between 1940 and 1945, with incomparable skill and indefatigable determination, Hopkins organized the Lend-Lease program and steered the president to prepare the public for war with Germany. He became FDR's problem-solver and fixer, helping to smooth over crises, such as when the British refused to allow an invasion of Europe in 1943, enraging Stalin, who felt that the Soviet Union was carrying the military effort against the Nazis. Lacking an official title or a clear executive branch portfolio, Hopkins could take the political risks his boss could not, and proved crucial to maintaining personal relations among the Big Three.

Beloved by some - such as Churchill, who believed that Hopkins "always went to the root of the matter" - and trusted by most - including the paranoid Stalin - there were nevertheless those who resented the influence of "the White House Rasputin". Based on newly available sources, The Hopkins Touch is an absorbing, substantial new work that offers a fresh perspective on the World War II era and the Allied leaders, through the life of the man who kept them on point until the war was won.

©2013 David L. Roll (P)2013 Audible, Inc.
Military Political Science Politics & Government United States War Winston Churchill Roosevelt Family Franklin D Roosevelt Stalin Self-Determination Imperialism Royalty Submarine King Interwar Period

Critic Reviews

"A masterful portrait of one of the most fascinating political figures this country has ever produced. David Roll has vividly captured the infinite complexities and extraordinary influence of FDR aide Harry Hopkins -- part playboy, part reformer-- whose peerless diplomatic efforts in World War II helped cement the Anglo-American alliance and pave the way for the Allies' victory." (Lynne Olson, author of Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in its Finest, Darkest Hour)
"Mr. Roll's use of previously unavailable materials enables him to present a far more comprehensive story. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the period. A truly magisterial biography." (The Washington Times)
"Displaying a strong grasp of the intervening half-century of historical scholarship, delivering a strong and clear-eyed appraisal of Hopkins's personal life, and demonstrating considerable narrative talents." (Wall Street Journal)

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the man behind the man

incredible story of influence and intelligence that helped shape our world from a humble man

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A great biography of a greatan

Little recognised as one of the unsung heroes of WW2 Hopkins through dedication and determination was able to broker and alliance between US and Great Britain. Much beloved by Churchill and rather badly treated by FDR Hopkins was able persuade a domestic oriented President to pursue defeating Germany first rather than being persuaded by the US military to focus on the Pacific War. FDR comes out of it all as a rather vaccilating leader with a huge ego. I don't know how Hopkins kept things together with his failing health. A most courageous man.

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