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FDR Unmasked: 73 Years of Medical Cover-ups That Rewrote History
The Hidden Illnesses That Shaped FDR’s Life and Changed the Course of History
Conventional wisdom has it that after Franklin Delano Roosevelt overcame a bout of polio at age 39, he remained in robust health until dying of a stroke in 1945 at age 63. The cover-ups by his innermost circle of confidantes, family members, and physicians concealed serious medical problems that not only endangered FDR’s life, but threatened the fate of the free world.
Drawing on extensive research, including FBI memoranda, first-hand reports, a diary kept by his closest companion, and even an admission by Eleanor Roosevelt herself, FDR Unmasked multitude of maladies FDR battled at virtually every stage of his career, including epilepsy, severe cardiovascular disease, and incurable cancersHis friendship with the physician who helped hide Woodrow Wilson’s disabling stroke for the last 18 months of his presidencyHis close, highly consequential friendship with Vincent Astor, who provided his yacht for secret medical treatments, including one near-fatal episode in 1934How a weakened FDR failed to challenge Stalin’s demands at YaltaThe unknown archive of a cancer surgeon who treated FDR as early as 1930 — a relationship FDR’s son later concealed
Conventional wisdom has it that after Franklin Delano Roosevelt overcame a bout of polio at age 39, he remained in robust health until dying of a stroke in 1945 at age 63. The cover-ups by his innermost circle of confidantes, family members, and physicians concealed serious medical problems that not only endangered FDR’s life, but threatened the fate of the free world.
Drawing on extensive research, including FBI memoranda, first-hand reports, a diary kept by his closest companion, and even an admission by Eleanor Roosevelt herself, FDR Unmasked multitude of maladies FDR battled at virtually every stage of his career, including epilepsy, severe cardiovascular disease, and incurable cancersHis friendship with the physician who helped hide Woodrow Wilson’s disabling stroke for the last 18 months of his presidencyHis close, highly consequential friendship with Vincent Astor, who provided his yacht for secret medical treatments, including one near-fatal episode in 1934How a weakened FDR failed to challenge Stalin’s demands at YaltaThe unknown archive of a cancer surgeon who treated FDR as early as 1930 — a relationship FDR’s son later concealed
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 16, 2024
FDR Unmasked by Steven Lomazow is a well researched medical biography of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It's a lengthy book at 403 pages and it provides a unique perspective, exploring Roosevelt’s health from a physician’s viewpoint.
Lomazow, who is a neurologist, looks into the history of FDR's documented health issues, such as polio and severe hypertension, and also adds to the book in the form of various other medical concerns that were overlooked or underreported in other books.
What stood out for me, was its in-depth research by the author, as it gave a new perspective on one of America’s most significant political figures. It wasn’t just a discovery but a thoroughly intriguing read.
Lomazow, who is a neurologist, looks into the history of FDR's documented health issues, such as polio and severe hypertension, and also adds to the book in the form of various other medical concerns that were overlooked or underreported in other books.
What stood out for me, was its in-depth research by the author, as it gave a new perspective on one of America’s most significant political figures. It wasn’t just a discovery but a thoroughly intriguing read.
February 27, 2024
I have always been fond of reading about great leaders to learn from their lives, know about the impacts of their decisions, and differentiate their facets of personality from those of a normal person. But when I picked up this book, it was amazingly unique and engaging. There was no moment of boredom or mundaneness.
The author has given us a chance to dwell on the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from a doctor's point of view. The doctor has unmasked how a great leader who is working for the benefit of others is fighting on his health front. This is realistic and engaging for areaders to know that even great people have health constraints, but they keep going for the benefit of others. This is a unique way of showcasing the real life of a person, which is often ignored. You will get to know the hidden truths.
The most fascinating part was that you do not need to have a great knowledge of medicine to complete this read; it is written in an understandable way and will keep you entertained throughout.
The author has given us a chance to dwell on the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from a doctor's point of view. The doctor has unmasked how a great leader who is working for the benefit of others is fighting on his health front. This is realistic and engaging for areaders to know that even great people have health constraints, but they keep going for the benefit of others. This is a unique way of showcasing the real life of a person, which is often ignored. You will get to know the hidden truths.
The most fascinating part was that you do not need to have a great knowledge of medicine to complete this read; it is written in an understandable way and will keep you entertained throughout.
February 4, 2024
This book seems to not only unmask hidden medical evidence in relation to FDR in his life but it also tells dirty little secrets I have never read in any other biography about him or Eleanor. I knew she didn’t get along with Sally and I knew her family life was tragic but in this book I learned things I never knew even about her mentor at her London girls academy. The fact that so much is divulged about Eleanor and all the great Tidbits you learn about FDR including the coverups I don’t know why they focused on the medical because this book is full of lots of great things from his snub in Harvard to the secrets divulge by his ex-girlfriend Alice and her ability to procreate all the way to the 1940 scandalous convention and the lies they told to get him a fourth term. This book is so super interesting I completely adored it and didn’t want to put it down it doesn’t a long read it’s 300 pages and every page is full of something that will keep you glued to the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to any other history thing even if you know a lot about FDR as I did I promise there still something to learn or at least there was for me. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
February 9, 2024
Steven Lomazow’s FDR Unmasked looks into the medical history of, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and it’s as eye-opening as finding a secret door in your grandpa's closet that leads to a room full of forbidden historical treasures. Lomazow, takes us on a deep-dive into FDR's health, pulling back the curtain on issues that have either been tiptoed around or completely missed by historians.
It's like a medical detective story, where each chapter reveals more about FDR's health struggles. What I found fascinating, is how the author links these health issues to FDR's political decisions and events – sort of like how your mood depends on the number of coffee cups you've had (or not had).
It's dense but engaging, kind of like a good cheesecake. You get layers of rich, historical details mixed with medical insights, which gives a fresh look on a figure we thought we knew inside and out.
I’d recommend giving this book a read, If you're into presidential history, or just love a good story about a historical figure told in a way that doesn't make you feel like you're sitting in a stuffy classroom.
It's like a medical detective story, where each chapter reveals more about FDR's health struggles. What I found fascinating, is how the author links these health issues to FDR's political decisions and events – sort of like how your mood depends on the number of coffee cups you've had (or not had).
It's dense but engaging, kind of like a good cheesecake. You get layers of rich, historical details mixed with medical insights, which gives a fresh look on a figure we thought we knew inside and out.
I’d recommend giving this book a read, If you're into presidential history, or just love a good story about a historical figure told in a way that doesn't make you feel like you're sitting in a stuffy classroom.
February 6, 2024
Dr. Lomazow's book on FDR is a captivating and accessible narrative, and you don't need a medical background. The writing style is both engaging and informative, steering clear of overwhelming details while highlighting crucial moments in history and FDR's life. Uncovering previously hidden documents, Dr. Lomazow sheds light on FDR's polio-related paralysis, which was concealed from the public and media. Despite this, Roosevelt's achieved great success as President and his legacy remains untarnished. This book digs even deeper, revealing a broader conspiracy to conceal additional health conditions, offering new insights into FDR's presidency. The book skillfully explains medical complexities in layman's terms, making it an enlightening read for anyone interested in FDR's life and legacy.
July 24, 2024
Did FDR bake/tan rather than work himself to death? Steven Lomazow asserts just that in this exposé-style medical biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The subtitle is misleading, as the portion about the cover-up by Howard Bruenn and the Roosevelt family only covers the final 30 pages.
Much of the book is shocking, and intentionally so. The author has relayed some genuinely gobsmacking stories about the health of the President—bedridden on many occasions, suffering from a fatal array of maladies. Among them are: melanoma, severe hypertension and heart failure, prostate cancer, epilepsy, and possibly stomach cancer. However, much of this is speculative. Lomazow darts from stating things as fact to merely making informed assumptions/guesses. While he has made use of obscure documents from the FDR library and elsewhere, he relies at times heavily on just a few sources, like aide Daisy Suckley’s diary.
I’m not a doctor and Lomazow’s work has attracted some criticism, I find a lot of his evidence persuasive. His claim to fame is his diagnosis of metastatic melanoma, backed by numerous photographs of the growth of a dark mole above Roosevelt’s left eye that mysteriously disappeared near the end of his life. That the spot (and apparent surgical scars) generated no serious public scrutiny during his life is astounding; the author makes superb use of photographs demonstrating how the mole changed over the course of his life. Roosevelt’s proclivity to tan for hours a day to treat his polio is an easy explanation for this. Sometimes it feels that his argument is better made over an audiovisual format, since the pictures are grainy (there is a great video from him laying out the case for melanoma here: https://youtu.be/udM4bPU5q2Q?si=PMK2h...). Where the argument suffers is in the sheer confidence of its validity—FDR’s medical records were mostly destroyed after he died, which both bolsters claims of a cover-up and weakens any categorical diagnoses. Regardless, there is a mountain of circumstantial evidence presented here that the 33rd president was gravely unwell in his 3rd and 4th terms. The biggest bombshell dropped in this book may be the 1944 document from White House physician Ross McIntire that declared FDR unfit for a 4th term.
The end of this book could’ve been better spent parrying criticisms from skeptics, but Lomazow only vaguely refers to them and hand-waves them away by saying evidence in his favor “piles up” by the year. His accusations are enormously consequential for the historical record, so his rebuttal (if you can call it that) is rather lame. Overall, he has still prosecuted a strong case and this book is worth a read.
Much of the book is shocking, and intentionally so. The author has relayed some genuinely gobsmacking stories about the health of the President—bedridden on many occasions, suffering from a fatal array of maladies. Among them are: melanoma, severe hypertension and heart failure, prostate cancer, epilepsy, and possibly stomach cancer. However, much of this is speculative. Lomazow darts from stating things as fact to merely making informed assumptions/guesses. While he has made use of obscure documents from the FDR library and elsewhere, he relies at times heavily on just a few sources, like aide Daisy Suckley’s diary.
I’m not a doctor and Lomazow’s work has attracted some criticism, I find a lot of his evidence persuasive. His claim to fame is his diagnosis of metastatic melanoma, backed by numerous photographs of the growth of a dark mole above Roosevelt’s left eye that mysteriously disappeared near the end of his life. That the spot (and apparent surgical scars) generated no serious public scrutiny during his life is astounding; the author makes superb use of photographs demonstrating how the mole changed over the course of his life. Roosevelt’s proclivity to tan for hours a day to treat his polio is an easy explanation for this. Sometimes it feels that his argument is better made over an audiovisual format, since the pictures are grainy (there is a great video from him laying out the case for melanoma here: https://youtu.be/udM4bPU5q2Q?si=PMK2h...). Where the argument suffers is in the sheer confidence of its validity—FDR’s medical records were mostly destroyed after he died, which both bolsters claims of a cover-up and weakens any categorical diagnoses. Regardless, there is a mountain of circumstantial evidence presented here that the 33rd president was gravely unwell in his 3rd and 4th terms. The biggest bombshell dropped in this book may be the 1944 document from White House physician Ross McIntire that declared FDR unfit for a 4th term.
The end of this book could’ve been better spent parrying criticisms from skeptics, but Lomazow only vaguely refers to them and hand-waves them away by saying evidence in his favor “piles up” by the year. His accusations are enormously consequential for the historical record, so his rebuttal (if you can call it that) is rather lame. Overall, he has still prosecuted a strong case and this book is worth a read.
April 29, 2024
I thought I had a pretty good grasp of the FDR saga, and if you too think you know everything about FDR, I’d suggest thinking again. Author Lomazow’s FDR Unmasked offers insights on some secrecy to reveal a man battling more than just political pressures. Through hidden medical records and personal correspondence, Lomazow shows us a Roosevelt who’s not only shaping the free world but also fighting his own body. I found it very interesting to read how his health issues were hidden so he could remain the stalwart leader America needed during the Depression and WWII.
Lomazow’s writing isn't just about digging through archives, but tells a story of resilience and deception. The book makes me wonder how history might have turned out differently if FDR had been in better health. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good story about overcoming the odds, this book adds a whole new dimension to the legend of FDR. It’s definitely a page-turner that’s as educational as it is fascinating. Give it a read; it’s sure to change how you view one of America’s most studied presidents.
This approach aims to humanize the historical figure of FDR, presenting his vulnerabilities and the efforts to conceal them in a narrative that’s as gripping as it is informative.
Lomazow’s writing isn't just about digging through archives, but tells a story of resilience and deception. The book makes me wonder how history might have turned out differently if FDR had been in better health. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good story about overcoming the odds, this book adds a whole new dimension to the legend of FDR. It’s definitely a page-turner that’s as educational as it is fascinating. Give it a read; it’s sure to change how you view one of America’s most studied presidents.
This approach aims to humanize the historical figure of FDR, presenting his vulnerabilities and the efforts to conceal them in a narrative that’s as gripping as it is informative.
March 8, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars History: Covered Up.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
Dr Lomazow's book, FDR, Unmasked, provides his readers with hidden medical evidence concerning FDR's health in an easy-to-understand narrative that doesn't require a medical degree to decipher. Using meticulous research from archives that remained hidden from the public domain, the author delivers a superb account of the debilitating complexities of FDR's condition.
FDR Unmasked reveals further conspiracy which Roosevelt used, to cover up several serious health conditions which plagued him for most of his life. It makes for compelling reading when one realises how his life hung by a thread for so long and how he must have suffered in silence through WW11 and the Great Depression. His caretakers were determined that his image remain untarnished but thanks to Dr Lomazow's remarkable research we can now appreciate this great American icon and his legacy even more.
I would highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone who has an interest in Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidency and to those who enjoy fascinating and informative historical facts
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
Dr Lomazow's book, FDR, Unmasked, provides his readers with hidden medical evidence concerning FDR's health in an easy-to-understand narrative that doesn't require a medical degree to decipher. Using meticulous research from archives that remained hidden from the public domain, the author delivers a superb account of the debilitating complexities of FDR's condition.
FDR Unmasked reveals further conspiracy which Roosevelt used, to cover up several serious health conditions which plagued him for most of his life. It makes for compelling reading when one realises how his life hung by a thread for so long and how he must have suffered in silence through WW11 and the Great Depression. His caretakers were determined that his image remain untarnished but thanks to Dr Lomazow's remarkable research we can now appreciate this great American icon and his legacy even more.
I would highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone who has an interest in Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidency and to those who enjoy fascinating and informative historical facts
February 15, 2024
FDR Unmasked: 73 Years of Medical Cover-ups That Rewrote History by Steven Lomazow
Very entertaining book. The story is put together with resources of books along with diarie entries.
Was hoping to hear my uncles name in this book as he worked for FDR in the secret service. before he retired in Maine.
Fascinating parts were the glimpses into Newport Naval Base, National Parks, CCC and New deal which we should look into implementing again.
There is so much about this president from his young years til after his death. Love the wife's diaries as we get to hear her side of the story as well.
Feared I'd fall asleep reading this but that is not the case at all.
There are politics included also but not enough to bore you.
Author hopes this selection will help you see what really happened with President Roosevelt. Very Detailed descriptions. Cool hearing the ailments of today were in our world back then.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Very entertaining book. The story is put together with resources of books along with diarie entries.
Was hoping to hear my uncles name in this book as he worked for FDR in the secret service. before he retired in Maine.
Fascinating parts were the glimpses into Newport Naval Base, National Parks, CCC and New deal which we should look into implementing again.
There is so much about this president from his young years til after his death. Love the wife's diaries as we get to hear her side of the story as well.
Feared I'd fall asleep reading this but that is not the case at all.
There are politics included also but not enough to bore you.
Author hopes this selection will help you see what really happened with President Roosevelt. Very Detailed descriptions. Cool hearing the ailments of today were in our world back then.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
April 22, 2024
Public figures have little hope when it comes to keeping secrets in today’s world of paparazzi and social media. They might want to take a history lesson from a former president.
Author Steven Lomazow, M.D., delivers a meticulously researched bombshell in FDR Unmasked. Who knew that a man responsible for the United States had so many concealed medical problems?
As a neurologist, the author chronicles FDR’s life. This medical viewpoint highlights his accomplishments while pointing out serious medical conditions. It has always been common knowledge that Franklin Delano Roosevelt battled polio, but his public image was carefully constructed.
Using a well-organized approach, the author peels back the layers of deception perpetrated by family members to reveal a multitude of medical concerns, including incurable cancers and epilepsy.
Supporting material such as photos and documentation enforces the book’s premise, as does a thorough resource list.
FDR Unmasked unveils the hidden medical problems that threatened to take down the 32nd president. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
Author Steven Lomazow, M.D., delivers a meticulously researched bombshell in FDR Unmasked. Who knew that a man responsible for the United States had so many concealed medical problems?
As a neurologist, the author chronicles FDR’s life. This medical viewpoint highlights his accomplishments while pointing out serious medical conditions. It has always been common knowledge that Franklin Delano Roosevelt battled polio, but his public image was carefully constructed.
Using a well-organized approach, the author peels back the layers of deception perpetrated by family members to reveal a multitude of medical concerns, including incurable cancers and epilepsy.
Supporting material such as photos and documentation enforces the book’s premise, as does a thorough resource list.
FDR Unmasked unveils the hidden medical problems that threatened to take down the 32nd president. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
April 3, 2024
FDR Unmasked: 73 Years of Medical Cover-ups That Rewrote History by Steven Lomazow is a piece of work that presents another face, a hidden face, of the medical life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the struggles and secrets that he and those around him had to keep about his life so that a nation could be safely protected and ruled. From Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s cancer to his battle with other medical conditions such as “severe cardiovascular disease," the book offers answers for those interested in the life of FDR.
One of the aspects that I liked about this book is how the author uses an easy-to-read type of language so that the text can be easily understood and is not tiring for the reader. I also liked how the author chronologically presented the facts, adding numerous perspectives to the events so that we could see the whole picture of them. From the perspective of the person in question, of those around him, of the press, television, and, finally, the world.
One of the aspects that I liked about this book is how the author uses an easy-to-read type of language so that the text can be easily understood and is not tiring for the reader. I also liked how the author chronologically presented the facts, adding numerous perspectives to the events so that we could see the whole picture of them. From the perspective of the person in question, of those around him, of the press, television, and, finally, the world.
July 24, 2024
History as it should have been recorded
Interesting strength shown by FDR. Americans knew of his extraordinary leadership, but we knew nothing of his true health struggles.if Roosevelt had been a well man his accomplishment would have surpassed anyone even thinking about leading our country.
Fascinating read.
Interesting strength shown by FDR. Americans knew of his extraordinary leadership, but we knew nothing of his true health struggles.if Roosevelt had been a well man his accomplishment would have surpassed anyone even thinking about leading our country.
Fascinating read.
August 14, 2024
Not the most exciting book that I've ever read. People hid stuff from the public a lot back then because they could. We don't have to know everything going on with the president. BUT, this was guy was really sick for a lot of years. Makes you wonder how much he actually led the country and how often it was his "advisors" and such.
August 16, 2024
This is an interesting and compelling book describing the severe illnesses FDR suffered throughout his adult life. He was too sick to go to Yalta and deal with Stalin about the European world after WW II. No wonder, as my dad always said, "he sold us down the river."
December 23, 2024
Well researched intriguing book that shows what was covered up and why. FDR and his time as President was always shrouded in mystery. This book opens the page to look at what was happening.
August 10, 2024
Starts off a little slow but gets more interesting as it progresses. Lots of things the public never knew about FDR.
November 29, 2025
The book gives us a fascinating look into the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from a doctor's point of view. Dr. Lomazow tells us about the incredible story of this great leader, who faced big health problems while trying to make the world a better place with his ideas about freedom and democracy.
What makes this book special is how easy it is to understand. You don't have to know much about medicine to enjoy Dr. Lomazow's writing. The story is interesting and teaches us a lot, finding just the right balance between giving details and keeping things simple. Dr. Lomazow's storytelling helps us understand important moments in history and Roosevelt's life without making us feel confused or overwhelmed.
A really interesting part of "FDR Unmasked" is when it talks about secret documents that tell us more about Roosevelt's polio. Dr. Lomazow does a great job of explaining the truth about this part of Roosevelt's life, showing us how he achieved so much despite his health problems, which were kept hidden from the public and the media.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
What makes this book special is how easy it is to understand. You don't have to know much about medicine to enjoy Dr. Lomazow's writing. The story is interesting and teaches us a lot, finding just the right balance between giving details and keeping things simple. Dr. Lomazow's storytelling helps us understand important moments in history and Roosevelt's life without making us feel confused or overwhelmed.
A really interesting part of "FDR Unmasked" is when it talks about secret documents that tell us more about Roosevelt's polio. Dr. Lomazow does a great job of explaining the truth about this part of Roosevelt's life, showing us how he achieved so much despite his health problems, which were kept hidden from the public and the media.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews