A World of Love: Eleanor Roosevelt and Her Friends, 1943-1962

by Joseph P. Lash

Love, Eleanor Roosevelt and her friends [Jan 01, 1985] Lash, Joseph P

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

610 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1982

About the author

Joseph Paul Lash (1909–1987) was secretary and confidant to Eleanor Roosevelt and the author of numerous acclaimed books.

Reviews

[Susan Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

ER loved people and, as Joseph Lash says, she rarely let go of any of her friends, even when the passion faded. (The exceptions: Nancy Cook and Marion Dickerman, with whom she had a serious falling-out.) This book is a thorough study of ER's friendships, with chapters that place the overlapping and sometimes conflicting relationships in ER's life. Written after her letters to Lorena Hickok were unsealed, the chapter on Hickok is good factually, but colored by a lack of understanding of same-sex love. Still, the book is important to understanding the attractions ER felt, why these were important and influential at the time, and how she dealt with them throughout her life.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can you say? She was an amazing woman with incredible heart. She put everything on the page, so, as you read her letters, you feel like you know her. I wish I had.

[JerryDeanHalleck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably the best book on ER and her life from 43 onwards. Lots of snippets from letters to ER's friends, Joe Lash, Trudie Wenzel, David G., Leonara Hickok , etc.

Most interesing tidbit, ER spread the rumor that Mamie Eisenhower was a drunk in the summer of 1952. One reason, among many, that Ike fired her from her UN Job.

[Nancy Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not an Eleanor Roosevelt scholar! Never have been, never will be. This book was on my shelf for a long time because I wanted to learn more about the Roosevelt Family and Eleanor in particular. At times though I wish Joseph P. Lash could have told me everything about Eleanor and Her Friends in 300 pages instead of 509 pages. It took me 2 months to read the book but I am glad I did.