Harry Hopkins: A Biography

by Henry Hitch Adams

Foreword by W. Averell Harriman. The life story of the man behind FDR, the New Deal and the Allied strategy in World War II. Illustrated with a section of photographs. Index. Notes. Bibliography.

448 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Henry Hitch Adams received his BA from the University of Michigan in 1939 and his MA and PhD from Columbia University in 1940 and 1942. He served in the US Navy in the Pacific during World War II on the destroyer escort USS Owen, and retired from the Naval Reserve in 1977 as a Captain. Adams taught at Cornell University from 1945 until 1951 and then joined the US Naval Academy where he was Assistant, Associate, and full Professor from 1951 until 1968

Reviews

[Linda Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography of the man who was Roosevelt's fixer, the diplomat who wasn't born to that, and the person who looked Mussolini in the eye and reported him a problem for the world. A harness-maker's son from the midwest, he became a confidante of world leaders in a time of world war. Straight talk and a rumpled suit were his companions. Had it not been for wearing himself out on the job, he may have been the next world leader after FDR. A hero.

[Gerry Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Adams' biography of Harry Hopkins is first rate. As FDR's most trusted advisor Hopkins managed the WPA during the depression and went on to guide FDR on the build up to and during WW II. His travels to London and Moscow won the trust of both Churchill and Stalin. Despite lacking a cabinet position he was seen by all as the indispensable man. Chronically ill he pushed himself mercilessly for FDR and the defeat of fascism. He was the de facto chief of staff. An extraordinary and heroic figure in our history.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I found the story of Harry Hopkins fascinating he was a great American and invaluable to the struggle against fascism.