Secret Affairs: FDR, Cordell Hull and Sumner Welles

by Irwin F. Gellman

Secret Affairs brings new information, fresh interpretation, and disturbing revelations about the intrigues, deceptions, and behind-the-scenes power struggles that influenced America's role in World War II and world events in the half century that followe

Genres: History, Nonfiction

520 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Irwin F. Gellman is the author of four previous books on American presidents. He is currently at work on a volume on Nixon and Kennedy. He lives in Parkesburg, PA.

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delves well beyond the working relationship of FDR and the top two officials at the U.S. State Department (who happened to hate each other's guts) during World War II to unmask Secretary of State Cordell Hull's insecurity and secret health problems as well as Undersecretary Sumner Welles' fatal foibles. The book vividly recounts the petty jealousies and self-inflicted crises within the State Department that tragically hampered its functioning during a critical point in history. Helps shed light the general atmosphere governing domestic politics during the war. A little scattered but entertaining and enlightening.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

History books often focus on the big picture--what was done with a hint of why and a focus on consequences. Rarely do historians examine the personal relationships of the primary actors, which is why Gellman's 1995 study of F.D.R., Cordell Hull, his secretary of state, and Sumner Welles, the under secretary of state and someone FDR relied on more than Hull is so fascinating.

Gellman's study is backed by extensive research and primary sources. It is thorough and his arguments are not extreme nor do they seem unwarranted.

He exposes FDR's flaws in terms of his imperial presidency in the area of foreign policy. He exposes Hull's jealousy of Welles, his inability to make decisions, and his lack of flexibility in mastering the issues of the day. He also exposes Welles' personal flaws while honoring the service he provided FDR.

Those who have an interest in U.S. foreign policy ought to read Gellman's study to truly understand the policies and decisions of the FDR era.