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The Roosevelts and the Royals: Franklin and Eleanor, the King and Queen of England, and the Friendship That Changed History
Advance Praise ""Fascinating and well researched.... Dr. Swift is the first to concentrate on this unusual subject with such a wealth of sympathetic detail.""
-Sarah Bradford, author of ""America's Queen: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth: A Biography of Britain's Queen,"" and ""The Reluctant King: The Life and Reign of George VI, 1895--1952"" ""A splendid addition to our understanding of an extraordinary Anglo-American partnership. Both intimate and expansive, Will Swift's vigorously researched book is timely, illuminating, and dramatic.""
-Blanche Wiesen Cook, author of ""Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 1: 1884-1933"" and ""Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 2: The Defining Years, 1933-1938"" ""The Anglo-American alliance has long been a bedrock of the global order, and Will Swift's The Roosevelts and the Royals details an important chapter in that fascinating story with warmth and verve.""
-Jon Meacham, author of ""Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship"" ""Those who remember only that the Roosevelts served hot dogs to the royals will be fascinated by this well-researched account of an historic and ennobling relationship-a great story!""
-James MacGregor Burns, author of ""The Three Roosevelts: Patrician Leaders Who Transformed America"" and ""Roosevelt: Soldier of Freedom"" ""A gripping account of four very different lives that were woven together to change the world in wartime.""
-Hugo Vickers, author of ""Cecil Beaton and Alice: Princess Andrew of Greece"" ""Written in fluid and lucid prose, this book is not only eminently readable but also historically illuminating. It explores the contrasting personalities of the four main protagonists with skill and insight and it is both convincing and refreshingly candid.""
-Brian Roberts, author of ""Randolph: A Study of Churchill's Son and Cecil Rhodes and the Princess"" ""This book brings to life my grandmother and her royal friends. Reading it, I found myself reliving the times I shared with them. A wonderful story.""
-Nina Roosevelt Gibson, Ph.D., psychologist and granddaughter of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt
-Sarah Bradford, author of ""America's Queen: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth: A Biography of Britain's Queen,"" and ""The Reluctant King: The Life and Reign of George VI, 1895--1952"" ""A splendid addition to our understanding of an extraordinary Anglo-American partnership. Both intimate and expansive, Will Swift's vigorously researched book is timely, illuminating, and dramatic.""
-Blanche Wiesen Cook, author of ""Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 1: 1884-1933"" and ""Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 2: The Defining Years, 1933-1938"" ""The Anglo-American alliance has long been a bedrock of the global order, and Will Swift's The Roosevelts and the Royals details an important chapter in that fascinating story with warmth and verve.""
-Jon Meacham, author of ""Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship"" ""Those who remember only that the Roosevelts served hot dogs to the royals will be fascinated by this well-researched account of an historic and ennobling relationship-a great story!""
-James MacGregor Burns, author of ""The Three Roosevelts: Patrician Leaders Who Transformed America"" and ""Roosevelt: Soldier of Freedom"" ""A gripping account of four very different lives that were woven together to change the world in wartime.""
-Hugo Vickers, author of ""Cecil Beaton and Alice: Princess Andrew of Greece"" ""Written in fluid and lucid prose, this book is not only eminently readable but also historically illuminating. It explores the contrasting personalities of the four main protagonists with skill and insight and it is both convincing and refreshingly candid.""
-Brian Roberts, author of ""Randolph: A Study of Churchill's Son and Cecil Rhodes and the Princess"" ""This book brings to life my grandmother and her royal friends. Reading it, I found myself reliving the times I shared with them. A wonderful story.""
-Nina Roosevelt Gibson, Ph.D., psychologist and granddaughter of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt
388 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2004
16 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 1, 2021
This was a really enjoyable read; for me it supplemented similar works by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Sally Bedell Smith. Will Swift gives equal attention to all four principals: King George, Queen Elizabeth, President Roosevelt, and Eleanor Roosevelt. I learned far more about the extent of their relationship other than the famed "hot dog picnic" at Hyde Park in 1938. I particularly enjoyed revisiting the details of Eleanor's 1942 visit to England, and her "spirited" dinner conversations with Winston Churchill at Buckingham Palace.
The book ends with anecdotes of two visits by Prince Andrew to Hyde Park in 1997 and 2002 in which he paid tribute to his grandparents' role helping to forge important ties between Britain and the United States prior to World War Two. It's somewhat odd to read Swift's glowing description of the prince now in light of recent events tying Andrew to Jeffery Epstein, but that obviously can't be helped at this point (it was published in 2004).
My only real complaint is with the quality of the photographs in the middle of the book, at least in the edition I bought (MJF Books, 978-1-60671-440-9). They look as if they've been photocopied on a really bad copier and then haphazardly scanned in for pressing at the last minute. I ended up searching online for better quality ones so I could see the pictures clearly.
I highly recommend.
The book ends with anecdotes of two visits by Prince Andrew to Hyde Park in 1997 and 2002 in which he paid tribute to his grandparents' role helping to forge important ties between Britain and the United States prior to World War Two. It's somewhat odd to read Swift's glowing description of the prince now in light of recent events tying Andrew to Jeffery Epstein, but that obviously can't be helped at this point (it was published in 2004).
My only real complaint is with the quality of the photographs in the middle of the book, at least in the edition I bought (MJF Books, 978-1-60671-440-9). They look as if they've been photocopied on a really bad copier and then haphazardly scanned in for pressing at the last minute. I ended up searching online for better quality ones so I could see the pictures clearly.
I highly recommend.
November 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The author was able to deliver a view of what it was like for America and Britain at the outset of WWII and how Roosevelt and the King attempted to pull the United States out of its isolationism. I was particularly fond of the account when the King and Queen visited Hyde Park in 1939. Reading such intimate details of the four leaves me a little sad as I finally finished the book. I’m going to miss these four and their intertwined stories. Also, the author left me with something to think about as he ended the tale, which to me is always a hallmark of a great story. I highly recommend this book to fans of history, in particular WWII, the Royal Family and of course FDR and Eleanor.
December 28, 2019
I enjoyed this book immensely. Especially the peek into the lives of the King and Queen of Great Britain and their children during the WWII years. What a struggle these years were for the Allies. Reading about Eleanor, FDR, Winston Churchill, the King and Queen was insightful and provided a glimpse at what their personal experiences were like..
June 28, 2019
I could not put it down. Very interesting.
July 28, 2017
In May and June 1939, King George VI and his consort Queen Elizabeth (who we know as "The Queen Mother") were the first British sovereigns to visit North America. The cross-Canada portion of the Royal Tour is well accounted for in Daylight Upon Magic: The Royal Tour Of Canada 1939
by Tom MacDonnell. This book is about the American portion - Washington D.C., New York City, and FDR's Hyde Park estate (where the Royal couple ate their first hot dogs. Considering the King's long standing gastric problems, I think that was one of the bravest acts of diplomacy ever made.)
That hot dog picnic, and the Queen's celebrated charm, did wonders for U. K. relations with the U.S. The British needed both the Dominion of Canada and United States "on-side". A European war was imminent, and the way Nazi Germany was gobbling up its neighbours, the U.K. needed all the help it could get to survive the fallout of their promise to Poland.
The book started out rather hagiographic to everyone but the Duke of Windsor, whom the author sniped at for not being a conscientious monarch when he had the job, and getting in the way with unsolicited advice and snide or defeatist remarks after his abdication. The treatment of the principal characters gets more human afterward. The rifts between the Roosevelts were not glossed over, nor were King George's fears of his nerves breaking down during the visit, as well as not showing he was up to the job of ruling, but I could see four people doing the best they could with the skills they had to overcome their weak parts for the sake of their two nations. I could also see how much the President and the King appreciated each other during the visit. The king visibly relaxed during the visit, telling jokes and showing unaffected interest in the boy's conservation camps in particular. FDR was impressed that the man whom his ambassador Bullitt called "dull witted" asked astute questions and had intelligent opinions. Just because a man is shy and has a speech problem does not mean he's stupid. I think they were each a great inspiration to the other.
The book also goes into Mrs. Roosevelt's visit to Britain (The Secret Service code-named her "Rover") and the exchanges between President and King during the War. (It mentioned the King's change of heart about Winston Churchill - who had supported the Wallis-Edward marriage - but it did not mention the FDR and WSC had some residual contempt for each other when they were heading their countries' naval administrations during WW One. It was the King's warm recommendation of Churchill that led to a cordial introduction and thus a close relationship between the two men.)
It's not a "scholarly" book, but it is a very good human interest account. There are a few silly errors (Kings don't "sit". They "reign".) but it's good stuff.
by Tom MacDonnell. This book is about the American portion - Washington D.C., New York City, and FDR's Hyde Park estate (where the Royal couple ate their first hot dogs. Considering the King's long standing gastric problems, I think that was one of the bravest acts of diplomacy ever made.)
That hot dog picnic, and the Queen's celebrated charm, did wonders for U. K. relations with the U.S. The British needed both the Dominion of Canada and United States "on-side". A European war was imminent, and the way Nazi Germany was gobbling up its neighbours, the U.K. needed all the help it could get to survive the fallout of their promise to Poland.
The book started out rather hagiographic to everyone but the Duke of Windsor, whom the author sniped at for not being a conscientious monarch when he had the job, and getting in the way with unsolicited advice and snide or defeatist remarks after his abdication. The treatment of the principal characters gets more human afterward. The rifts between the Roosevelts were not glossed over, nor were King George's fears of his nerves breaking down during the visit, as well as not showing he was up to the job of ruling, but I could see four people doing the best they could with the skills they had to overcome their weak parts for the sake of their two nations. I could also see how much the President and the King appreciated each other during the visit. The king visibly relaxed during the visit, telling jokes and showing unaffected interest in the boy's conservation camps in particular. FDR was impressed that the man whom his ambassador Bullitt called "dull witted" asked astute questions and had intelligent opinions. Just because a man is shy and has a speech problem does not mean he's stupid. I think they were each a great inspiration to the other.
The book also goes into Mrs. Roosevelt's visit to Britain (The Secret Service code-named her "Rover") and the exchanges between President and King during the War. (It mentioned the King's change of heart about Winston Churchill - who had supported the Wallis-Edward marriage - but it did not mention the FDR and WSC had some residual contempt for each other when they were heading their countries' naval administrations during WW One. It was the King's warm recommendation of Churchill that led to a cordial introduction and thus a close relationship between the two men.)
It's not a "scholarly" book, but it is a very good human interest account. There are a few silly errors (Kings don't "sit". They "reign".) but it's good stuff.
April 22, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Swift writes about the relationship between the Roosevelt's and the British royals prior to, during and post WWII. We learn about the families...their courage, their concerns, their tribulations. In a broader context he weaves the story of the United States and Great Britain's great fight against totalitarianism.
Swifts writing is very engaging as he takes much of his material from diary entries and letters from the primary figures as well as those who knew them well. He also leans heavily on official government cables , magazine and newspaper articles. Well researched and very well written.
Swifts writing is very engaging as he takes much of his material from diary entries and letters from the primary figures as well as those who knew them well. He also leans heavily on official government cables , magazine and newspaper articles. Well researched and very well written.
January 31, 2021
This is a wonderful book. Through its pages the story of World War II and the special relationship between the US and UK is told. The camera lense changes frequently between venues in the UK and US and between the leaders in each place. We know her as the Queen Mother. During WWII, she was married to George VI and she was Queen Elizabeth but not the enduring Queen Elizabeth of our times. One thing that comes out clearly is the British sense of duty, which is a quality that ran deep in Eleanor Roosevelt as well. This is a nice book, and it presents well the story of those incredible times in which the future was far from certain.
June 26, 2019
British monarch George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth visited President Franklin Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor three months before the beginning of WWII. A reigning British monarch had never visited the US. It was the start of a long and important friendship between these two important couples. Based on original correspondence and interviews with Queen Elizabeth, as Queen Mother, it's interesting backdrop to the war years.
January 23, 2020
With "The Roosevelts and the Royals: Franklin and Eleanor, the King and Queen of England, and the Friendship that Changed History", Will Swift examines one of the more unique relationships in the history of the world between FDR & George VI. Piece-by-piece this story evolves covering the biographies of all 4 people & even that of the now Queen Elizabeth II. It's a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in any of these people as well as WWII & it's aftermath.
May 17, 2020
This is a great history of the relationship between Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and the royal family especially George VI and Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The relationship began before WWII, but the king realized he really needed to foster it when the war began. The two families remained friends as well as world leaders can be after the death of FDR and the king. An interesting read.
December 5, 2020
An exquisite book, offering a refreshingly new view of this time and these two couples (new to me, at any rate). No spoilers, I strongly encourage you to read it for yourself.
Some of the hard-cover books I read get recycled to friends or the Goodwill, since, as much as I may have enjoyed them, I do not wish to cart them about for the rest of my life.
This book will definitely stay on my shelves, wherever those shelves may be. A review doesn't get any better than that.
Some of the hard-cover books I read get recycled to friends or the Goodwill, since, as much as I may have enjoyed them, I do not wish to cart them about for the rest of my life.
This book will definitely stay on my shelves, wherever those shelves may be. A review doesn't get any better than that.
September 13, 2022
great read moves fast i love the back and forth segments between the usa and britian great read to understand the special relationship between britian and american highley reccomend this as a great read
February 4, 2021
Interesting especially about Eleanor
WWII
WWII
September 17, 2022
A very interesting book filled with historical facts about the Roosevelts and the British Royal Family that I never knew before now.
May 1, 2025
This book is very informative. I knew several of the stories about the Royals. But it was very interesting to learn more about Eleanor Roosevelt. Great book for a history buff like me!
May 1, 2009
These efforts by historians to focus on a single episode in the lives of historic women and men has become a genre in itself. "The Roosevelts and the Royals" is a triumph of this kind. The sub-title of this book is, "Franklin and Eleanor, the King and Queen of England, and the Friendship that Changed History." Excellent summation but still only a hint of what is to be found in the pages of this volume. It is a little exciting, sitting down with the Roosevelts and the Windsors. Oh - there is much to be told. And a substantial argument can be made that the visit of the King and Queen to Hyde Park in the fair early summer of 1939 was indeed a factor in decisions that influenced significant history. Anyone could enjoy this read.
April 26, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this detailed account of the powerful impact of the friendship of these four people during pre & post WWII. The gifts that each offered the world left me so inspired. It truly is a moving book with detailed focus on their humanity, rather like the drifting of majestic clouds to reveal the interactions, emotions, the inner being of each person: FDR, Eleanor, King George, and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
June 13, 2011
After watching The King's Speech, I was eager for more "royal stories," and found this at the library. Royal family plus some American history - what's not to like?! I learned a lot about FDR and Eleanor that really shocked me! It wasn't too heavy on the history-side, and really read more like interesting tidbits. It definitely satisfied my urge for more reads on "Bertie and Betsey" :)
March 3, 2011
Very detailed in the minutae of royal life, more than you ever wanted to know. It's like when you're friends talk about their cousin's lives, and mention the cousin's friends. You don't know them, you won't ever meet them, so you zone out. Which is what I did. I skipped around a lot.
January 23, 2012
This is quite a story, no matter how you feel about royalty. I had no idea King George and Queen Elizabeth came to the US until recently. The book is also VERY well researched. It's also remarkable just how much both couples had in common.
March 20, 2008
I've always been fascinated by the Roosevelts and really enjoyed reading all about their relationship with the King and Queen of England.
January 13, 2015
No one needs to wonder why I read this book. I found it insightful and it made me realize how involved King George VI behind the scenes.
May 12, 2011
i read this book after seeing the kings speech and enjoyed it thoroughly!
January 16, 2014
Quite enjoyable! Fascinating read!
September 7, 2013
great book that shows the power of friendship at the highest level of governments in times of war
October 25, 2013
Chatty, informal.
March 28, 2015
Good read.
December 25, 2015
Thoroughly researched and well written. I was fascinated by the material and the writing maintained and strengthened my interest. Highly recommend on this subject.
November 20, 2016
Simple wonderful. Fascinating and insightful.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews