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Eleanor Roosevelt: In Her Words: On Women, Politics, Leadership, and Lessons from Life
This illustrated, first of its kind collection of excerpts from Eleanor Roosevelt's newspaper columns, radio talks, speeches, and correspondence speaks directly to the challenges we face today.
Acclaimed for her roles in politics and diplomacy, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt was also a prolific author, journalist, lecturer, broadcaster, educator, and public personality.
Using excerpts from her books, columns, articles, press conferences, speeches, radio talks, and correspondence, Eleanor In Her Words tracks her contributions from the 1920s, when she entered journalism and public life; through the White House years, when she campaigned for racial justice, the labor movement, and "the forgotten woman;" to the postwar era, when she served at the United Nations and shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Selections touch on Roosevelt's early entries in women's magazines ("Ten Rules for Success in Marriage"), her insights on women in politics ("Women Must Learn to Play the Game As Men Do"), her commentary on World War II ("What We Are Fighting For"), her work for civil rights ("The Four Equalities"), her clash with Soviet delegates at the UN ("These Same Old Stale Charges"), and her advice literature ("If You Ask Me"). Surprises include her unique preparation for leadership, the skill with which she defied critics and grasped authority, her competitive stance as a professional, and the force of her political messages to modern readers.
Scorning the "America First" mindset, Eleanor Roosevelt underlined the interdependence of people and of nations. Eleanor In Her Words illuminates her achievement as a champion of civil rights, human rights, and democratic ideals.
Acclaimed for her roles in politics and diplomacy, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt was also a prolific author, journalist, lecturer, broadcaster, educator, and public personality.
Using excerpts from her books, columns, articles, press conferences, speeches, radio talks, and correspondence, Eleanor In Her Words tracks her contributions from the 1920s, when she entered journalism and public life; through the White House years, when she campaigned for racial justice, the labor movement, and "the forgotten woman;" to the postwar era, when she served at the United Nations and shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Selections touch on Roosevelt's early entries in women's magazines ("Ten Rules for Success in Marriage"), her insights on women in politics ("Women Must Learn to Play the Game As Men Do"), her commentary on World War II ("What We Are Fighting For"), her work for civil rights ("The Four Equalities"), her clash with Soviet delegates at the UN ("These Same Old Stale Charges"), and her advice literature ("If You Ask Me"). Surprises include her unique preparation for leadership, the skill with which she defied critics and grasped authority, her competitive stance as a professional, and the force of her political messages to modern readers.
Scorning the "America First" mindset, Eleanor Roosevelt underlined the interdependence of people and of nations. Eleanor In Her Words illuminates her achievement as a champion of civil rights, human rights, and democratic ideals.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2017
81 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Roosevelt
140 books1,675 followersAnna Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political leader who used her influence as an active First Lady from 1933 to 1945 to promote the New Deal policies of her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as taking a prominent role as an advocate for civil rights. After her husband's death in 1945, she continued to be an internationally prominent author and speaker for the New Deal coalition. She was a suffragist who worked to enhance the status of working women, although she opposed the Equal Rights Amendment because she believed it would adversely affect women. In the 1940s, she was one of the co-founders of Freedom House and supported the formation of the United Nations. Eleanor Roosevelt founded the UN Association of the United States in 1943 to advance support for the formation of the UN. She was a delegate to the UN General Assembly from 1945 and 1952, a job for which she was appointed by President Harry S. Truman and confirmed by the United States Congress. During her time at the United Nations chaired the committee that drafted and approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. President Truman called her the "First Lady of the World" in tribute to her human rights achievements.
She was one of the most admired persons of the 20th century, according to Gallup's List of Widely Admired People.
She was one of the most admired persons of the 20th century, according to Gallup's List of Widely Admired People.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 3, 2021
"I have often heard people say they would rather have a democracy, even if it had to be inefficient, than regimented efficiency. We love our freedom, but must we of necessity have freedom coupled with stupidity? Is it not possible to face our situation and recognize the inequalities in the economic background of America’s children, inequalities in educational opportunities, in health protection, in recreation and leisure-time activities and in opportunities for employment?"
This book is 99.44% pure Eleanor Roosevelt and I have never experienced her personality and insights quite like this. I believe that Nancy Woloch’s decision to arrange ER’s observations in chronological order is solid. Aside from the introductory comments, from Woloch such as: "To defend democratic ideals, ER often invoked the concept of “interdependence.” Democracy rested not just on economic security or on equal opportunity, though these were imperative, but on a cooperative community and a sense of responsibility for one another." ER’s thoughts carry the narrative.
Here are some that may surprise you by how easily they could refer to present times:
"Democracy is being challenged today, and we are the greatest democracy. It remains to be seen if we have the vision and the courage and the self-sacrifice to give our children all over the nation a chance to be real citizens of a democracy. If we are going to do that, we must first see that they get a chance at health, that they get a chance at an equal opportunity for education. We must see that they get a chance at the kind of education which will help them to meet a changing world. We must see that, as far as possible, these youngsters, when they leave school, get a chance to work and get a chance to be accepted and to feel important as members of their communities."
"DEFINING DEMOCRACY TOPIC: DEFINITION OF DEMOCRACY Mrs. Roosevelt: “You must have a minimum of economic security in order to have true democracy and for people to love their government and their country. “You must have an assurance of a certain amount of education which makes it possible for you to understand questions which face your country. “And your sources of information must be kept free. While you must guard against government controlled sources of information, there are other ways of controlling those sources which you must guard just as carefully, such as banks, advertisers and subscribers. “People cannot love a government or a country which does not allow them to have anything which makes life worth living.” Press Conference of January 17, 1939"
"(W)e should take a constant interest in all educational institutions and remember that on the public school largely depends the success or failure of our great experiment in government, “by the people, for the people.”
"This is no ordinary time. No time for weighing anything except what we can do best for the country as a whole, and that responsibility rests on each and every one of us as individuals. No man who is candidate or who is president can carry this situation alone. This is only carried by a united people who love their country and who will live for it to the fullest of their ability, with the highest ideals, with a determination that their party shall be absolutely devoted to the good of the nation as whole and to doing what this country can to bring the world to a safer and happier condition."
And, finally, ER wrote: “If we do not see that equal opportunity, equal justice, and equal treatment are meted out to every citizen, the very basis on which this country can hope to survive with liberty and justice for all will be wiped away.”"
4.5*
This book is 99.44% pure Eleanor Roosevelt and I have never experienced her personality and insights quite like this. I believe that Nancy Woloch’s decision to arrange ER’s observations in chronological order is solid. Aside from the introductory comments, from Woloch such as: "To defend democratic ideals, ER often invoked the concept of “interdependence.” Democracy rested not just on economic security or on equal opportunity, though these were imperative, but on a cooperative community and a sense of responsibility for one another." ER’s thoughts carry the narrative.
Here are some that may surprise you by how easily they could refer to present times:
"Democracy is being challenged today, and we are the greatest democracy. It remains to be seen if we have the vision and the courage and the self-sacrifice to give our children all over the nation a chance to be real citizens of a democracy. If we are going to do that, we must first see that they get a chance at health, that they get a chance at an equal opportunity for education. We must see that they get a chance at the kind of education which will help them to meet a changing world. We must see that, as far as possible, these youngsters, when they leave school, get a chance to work and get a chance to be accepted and to feel important as members of their communities."
"DEFINING DEMOCRACY TOPIC: DEFINITION OF DEMOCRACY Mrs. Roosevelt: “You must have a minimum of economic security in order to have true democracy and for people to love their government and their country. “You must have an assurance of a certain amount of education which makes it possible for you to understand questions which face your country. “And your sources of information must be kept free. While you must guard against government controlled sources of information, there are other ways of controlling those sources which you must guard just as carefully, such as banks, advertisers and subscribers. “People cannot love a government or a country which does not allow them to have anything which makes life worth living.” Press Conference of January 17, 1939"
"(W)e should take a constant interest in all educational institutions and remember that on the public school largely depends the success or failure of our great experiment in government, “by the people, for the people.”
"This is no ordinary time. No time for weighing anything except what we can do best for the country as a whole, and that responsibility rests on each and every one of us as individuals. No man who is candidate or who is president can carry this situation alone. This is only carried by a united people who love their country and who will live for it to the fullest of their ability, with the highest ideals, with a determination that their party shall be absolutely devoted to the good of the nation as whole and to doing what this country can to bring the world to a safer and happier condition."
And, finally, ER wrote: “If we do not see that equal opportunity, equal justice, and equal treatment are meted out to every citizen, the very basis on which this country can hope to survive with liberty and justice for all will be wiped away.”"
4.5*
December 21, 2019
This was a fascinating, complex and intricate book. It explores Roosevelt's own words about being a woman, being a wife, being a leader and - in many ways - managing disappointment.
Her views on marriage - understandably - were sobering. But this book presents her speeches, journalism and press conferences in a way that is awe-inspiring. She was a woman of profound paradox. But she had integrity. She had grit. And she walked through life looking as she wished to look, and reflecting on the nature of being a woman.
I am inspired. Deeply inspired. This type of stoic, complex woman is a model for all of us to remember. She lived the injustices of her time, but she used them as fuel to make a difference.
Her views on marriage - understandably - were sobering. But this book presents her speeches, journalism and press conferences in a way that is awe-inspiring. She was a woman of profound paradox. But she had integrity. She had grit. And she walked through life looking as she wished to look, and reflecting on the nature of being a woman.
I am inspired. Deeply inspired. This type of stoic, complex woman is a model for all of us to remember. She lived the injustices of her time, but she used them as fuel to make a difference.
October 20, 2019
After visiting Val-kill this summer in New York, I wanted to learn more about Eleanor Roosevelt. This book is a compilation on topics ranging from leadership, politics, gender roles and work, race, immigration, and democracy.
The writings tend to advance with her age through the book, and most of it still resonates today.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s breadth of knowledge and insights were interesting to read, and I will keep this book as a reference for years to come.
The writings tend to advance with her age through the book, and most of it still resonates today.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s breadth of knowledge and insights were interesting to read, and I will keep this book as a reference for years to come.
December 10, 2025
I have great admiration for Elenor Roosevelt and I have always felt inspired reading her words. She was very intelligent, articulate, and often ahead of her times in thinking (in some aspects, still ahead of things now, almost 100 years later).
My average rating of 3 stars for this book is not a reflection on Eleanor or her writing but rather the style and compilation of the book. This book features snippets of her letters, articles and speeches, organised in chapters around certain themes and in chronological order throughout her life. What this book does well is give a broad overview of how many different social and political issues Eleanor had her say on and was involved in influencing the public over her life, and in giving a broad overview how she adjusted her view and changed her focuses over time, often in response to what was most prevalent and pressing historically in a certain period.
However, as someone who has read other books which were written and organised in entirety by Eleanor Roosevelt (i.e. Tomorrow is Now) I can see that a book such as this one does a great disservice in that it does not allow the reader to get fully into any one of her arguments, or truly understand the depth and scope of her worldview and wisdom. In other words, this book gives a incomplete and stunted picture with its short snippets.
If choosing between a book like this where selections of her work are organised by someone else and one of the books where Elenor Roosevelt has written and organised the information from cover to cover herself (and she has a number to her name) I would 100% recommend to go for the later.
Perhaps books in the particular style of the book I'm reviewing are a good style for those historical figures whose writings or speeches are very complicated and difficult to read. But Eleanor Roosevelt’s writings are very readable and easy to understand so there is really no need to opt for a book like this organised by others when she has so many other books on offer which give a far richer and rewarding reading experience.
My average rating of 3 stars for this book is not a reflection on Eleanor or her writing but rather the style and compilation of the book. This book features snippets of her letters, articles and speeches, organised in chapters around certain themes and in chronological order throughout her life. What this book does well is give a broad overview of how many different social and political issues Eleanor had her say on and was involved in influencing the public over her life, and in giving a broad overview how she adjusted her view and changed her focuses over time, often in response to what was most prevalent and pressing historically in a certain period.
However, as someone who has read other books which were written and organised in entirety by Eleanor Roosevelt (i.e. Tomorrow is Now) I can see that a book such as this one does a great disservice in that it does not allow the reader to get fully into any one of her arguments, or truly understand the depth and scope of her worldview and wisdom. In other words, this book gives a incomplete and stunted picture with its short snippets.
If choosing between a book like this where selections of her work are organised by someone else and one of the books where Elenor Roosevelt has written and organised the information from cover to cover herself (and she has a number to her name) I would 100% recommend to go for the later.
Perhaps books in the particular style of the book I'm reviewing are a good style for those historical figures whose writings or speeches are very complicated and difficult to read. But Eleanor Roosevelt’s writings are very readable and easy to understand so there is really no need to opt for a book like this organised by others when she has so many other books on offer which give a far richer and rewarding reading experience.
December 24, 2024
This thoughtfully curated collection of Eleanor Roosevelt’s writings and speeches offers a compelling glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century’s most influential figures. Spanning decades of her career, from her early advice on marriage to her trailblazing work at the United Nations, the book highlights Roosevelt’s courage in addressing issues like racial justice, women’s rights, and global interdependence. Her critiques of isolationism and advocacy for democratic ideals feel remarkably relevant today.
While the sheer breadth of content can feel overwhelming at times, the excerpts are accessible and illuminating, showcasing Roosevelt’s wit, intellect, and commitment to social progress. Though not a comprehensive biography, this collection serves as an inspiring reminder of her lasting impact on civil and human rights. Perfect for readers seeking insight from one of history’s most remarkable women.
While the sheer breadth of content can feel overwhelming at times, the excerpts are accessible and illuminating, showcasing Roosevelt’s wit, intellect, and commitment to social progress. Though not a comprehensive biography, this collection serves as an inspiring reminder of her lasting impact on civil and human rights. Perfect for readers seeking insight from one of history’s most remarkable women.
March 31, 2020
This is an outstanding collection of works from one of the most dynamic women in history. This book compiles essays, newspaper columns, interview transcripts and more by Eleanor Roosevelt, starting from her early days as First Lady of New York and a member of various women’s societies, finishing with the sharing of life lessons from her final years.
Readers get a sense ER’s progression from young wife to iconic activist, conveyed by her own wit, sophistication and compassion. This is not a potboiler, but something to be savored, a few pieces at a time. It is also well-indexed so that you can find pieces based on subject. ER’s eloquent words are welcome and timely in today’s climate, and reading her thoughts during some of the world’s darkest times are a comforting balm today.
This is an excellent reference work and will be close at hand for years to come.
Readers get a sense ER’s progression from young wife to iconic activist, conveyed by her own wit, sophistication and compassion. This is not a potboiler, but something to be savored, a few pieces at a time. It is also well-indexed so that you can find pieces based on subject. ER’s eloquent words are welcome and timely in today’s climate, and reading her thoughts during some of the world’s darkest times are a comforting balm today.
This is an excellent reference work and will be close at hand for years to come.
December 2, 2017
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. This book was edited by Nancy Woloch from Eleanor Roosevelt's newspaper columns, radio talks, speeches and correspondence on a number of subjects i.e. WWII; Civil Rights; Postwar Politics, etc. While it was interesting, it was a dry read.
November 8, 2018
Eleanor Roosevelt continues to fascinate me. She professes to be extremely shy yet she didn't shy away from stating her mind and staying with the fight. Many of her writings still ring true today.
May 30, 2019
I love reading Eleanor Roosevelt's words. She is no nonesense, to the point and on point. Loved reading this!
December 8, 2020
The collection of articles speeches and letters is quite interesting and gives the reader a good understanding of Eleanor Roosevelt's stance on many issues.
April 4, 2021
Ein ganz tiefgehendes Buch. Ich bin sehr beeindruckt, wie fortschrittlich sie für ihre Zeit war. Die Themen, die ihr wichtig waren, sind heute immer noch topaktuell.
May 17, 2022
*4,5/5
July 19, 2022
I found the book and Eleanor Roosevelt so fascinating and discovered many things about her I did not know. Also a good look into the times of the US as well as the world. Good read. Highly recommend.
April 7, 2024
Live her, wish she was here now
September 17, 2023
It’s hard to read a book like this. The snippets of ER’s writing are short and organized by topic, so it’s hard to see any development of thought.
February 13, 2018
I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews