Off the Record With FDR: 1942-1945

by William D. Hassett

This is an almost day-by-day diary of FDR's 'off-the-record' moments, one of the most fascinating diaries to emerge in the 20th century. William Hassett -- a newspaperman and public relations executive -- was an assistant to an assistant secretary to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. But he chose to become the presidents Boswell and he did his subject proud. Himself a man of considerable erudition -- Roosevelt affectionately called him The Bishop -- he was one of the Great Man's confidante/companions and for three years during World War II he chronicled Roosevelt's activities in, and frequently out of the White House. Hassett accompanied FDR to Hyde Park on innumerable occasions when the press had no access to him -- and, indeed, were not told that he had left the White House. But wherever FDR was, there was a continuous parade of personal visitors, relatives, friends, politicians, and dignitaries -- whose attendance was scrupulously recorded by Hassett, often with subjective comments. According to Jonathan Daniels, Hassett was simply told rather casually that lie was to travel with FDR in order 'to handle his papers and help tend to his chores'. As it turned out, this seemingly minor assignment produced a lively and immensely readable record of living history, providing insights into FDR's complex personality as well as into his many political and personal relationships. This book was published in hard cover in 1958.<

366 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have often seen this book listed in sources and bibliographies. I recently read the new paperback edition and found it an excellent look into Franklin D. Roosevelt's private life. For those who have been to Hyde Park-my visit was 36 long years ago-there is much in these pages about FDR's home and town. There is interesting detail about housing the press, especially during WWII. The account of FDR's last days at Warm Springs are of great value. Very interesting.