Making of FDR: The Story of Stephen T. Early, America's First Modern Press Secretary

by Linda Lotridge Levin

Though practically unknown to the public today, Stephen T. Early was one of the most influential men in mid-twentieth-century America. As the press secretary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, he was chiefly responsible for getting the president's message out to the press and he helped to shape Roosevelt's image in the eyes of Americans through the dramatic years of the Great Depression and World War II. It is no exaggeration to say that, had there been no Stephen Early, the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the longest-serving president in U.S. history, would probably have been limited to one term.In an engrossing narrative that brings to life key people and events during a calamitous time in American history, journalist Linda Lotridge Levin documents how Early remade what had been just a routine White House briefing function into the modern high-visibility role of today's presidential press secretary. A highly respected Associated Press reporter, Early launched a breathtaking reorganization of the way government informed the public. For the first time, the president held two news conferences a week. Under Early's guidance, the press evolved from just print journalism into the use of radio and newsreels, so he was the first press secretary to have the luxury and the frustrations of dealing with both broadcast and print media on a daily basis. Among his most important contributions, Early helped the president create the famous "Fireside Chats," which were a hallmark of Depression era and wartime America. Levin chronicles Early's life-long loyalty to Roosevelt and their close but sometimes-tumultuous personal and professional relationship, from Roosevelt's appearance on the political stage as a New York delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1912 through his four terms as President of the United States. She offers many intriguing glimpses into the personalities within Roosevelt's inner circle, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Louis Howe, Harry Truman, and others. Levin concludes this engaging story of Early's influential life with an account of his state funeral, which was attended by President Truman, the vice president, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the secretaries of defense, army, and navy, and many other dignitaries. The Making of FDR is a long-overdue account of one of the last century's most important government officials.

538 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2007

About the author

Linda Lotridge Levin is professor emerita at the University of Rhode Island, where she has been a faculty member in the Department of Journalism since 1983. A graduate of Michigan State University and Boston University, Professor Levin began her career as a reporter for The Providence Journal.

Reviews

[judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Steve Early, FDR's press secretary, had never had a book written about him until Levin wrote this one--decades after the fact. The problem is that Early didn't really want a book so he only left papers and some diaries (that ended way too soon). Since almost everyone who knew him is dead, Levin had to make do with what she had. She tries to convince us that Early played a pivotal role. I'd call that a stretch.
The part of this book before WWII is deadly dull. It perks up with the war--but what book wouldn't. The fact is Early, an experienced newspaperman, was an excellent PR man but not really exceptional. His strength was he was straight shooter, agreed with FDR on what we now call "transparency", and never lost the ability of seeing things from the perspective of the media.
I was inclined to like the man since my parents knew him. This book almost destroyed that. Levin clearly didn't have access to materials that would bring him alive because they must not exist. Instead we find a man who faithfully does his job, is always longing for the golf course or a vacation and, more than anything, wants to get a job in private industry so he afford private schools for his kids. In short, while he is loyal to FDR, he doesn't seem to have the fanatic devotion that those close to the Boss demonstrate. What I'm guessing is missing from this book are the qualities you could expect from a newsman at this point in history. He was undoubtedly very bright, flexible and clever. It would not be unusual if he were funny--either straight out or sarcastic. I cannot imagine FDR tolerating prolonged daily contact with someone who was boring. Besides, FDR was amazing in his ability to choose the right person for a job.

If you want to get a feel for the insanity of being a press secretary to the most important man in the world--this book will show you that. It's a shame that Early didn't write a book or cooperate with a contemporary who was writing one. He did run an efficient operation and a model for the future but the stories and anecdotes we would expect are lost forever in the dust of history.

[Roberta Havel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book depicts Steve Early as the savior of the FDR administration because of his uncanny ability to control the press and step-in when Roosevelt was away from the White House. I found the book a little too gossipy and repetitive.

That being said I think today’s journalist’s and government press officers might get some helpful tips by reading this book. I have read a lot of books about FDR’s New Deal and WWII, and I found this book is just okay. I suggest other people who are trying to grow their knowledge of this historical period, put this book low on there list. It is just average.

[Susan Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed, in-depth, but easy-to-read biography of Steve Early, FDR's press secretary. Especially interesting because FDR was the first president to use the media to get elected AND to stay in office, and Early (a former AP journalist with connections all over the country) knew how to make it happen. Excellent study of the use of the press and radio to shape the presidential image.

[Tim Penning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating aspect of PR history. Great insight on how the presidential press secretary role evolved in the era when media included print and radio. Details, overwhelming at times, are nonetheless instructive.