A Diminished President: FDR in 1944

Illuminating discussion of the relationship between FDR's health and his relationships with others, as well as potential impact on foreign policy. I was particularly impressed with Chapter Seven, "Hull, Roosevelt and the Failure of American Foreign Policy". Well written with a fresh perspective.

FDR died in 1945. Immediately thereafter, his medical records disappeared from the Navy files, never to surface again. Admiral Ross T. McIntire, FDR's personal physician for twelve years continuously denied FDR's health problems and, in fact, wrote a book in 1945 assuring the public that the President never had any serious heart condition. He clearly withheld information about FDR's health and, thereby, misled the American people. The truth came out in 1970. The evidence of secrecy and cover-up is there for all to see. FDR was a sick man for years, and, particularly, in 1944, when he attended the Teheran Conference. He did not fully consult with Churchill and did not stand up to Stalin's demands. Fifty-eight years after the fact we learn how the irresponsibility of one man, Admiral McIntire, likely influenced the aftermath of World War II. Mr. Wills leaves us to speculate how many lives would be different today and what ways these lives could be different. Could a cover-up of this magnitude happen again?Mr. Wills has written an engaging history full of drama building to an inescapable conclusion that in 1944-1945 FDR was a very sick man who was not able to reprsent the ideals of the American people to the best of his ability. It is authoritative and well documented. A DIMIMISHED PRESIDENT, FDR IN 1944 is highly recommended.

Matthew Wills' book "A Diminished President - FDR In 1944" is outstanding. It is well researched and documented and brings to light little-known facts that clearly demonstrate that President Roosevelt was, in fact, a diminished President during the last months of his life. This may have led to some fateful decisions and actions that impact our Country even today. While the book presents many historical facts, Will's style is crisp and reads like a mystery novel. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. All who are interested in this period of our history must read this book; and, those who have not had any earlier interest could be highly enlightened and entertained. I heartily recommend the book.