The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

Gr 9 Up—The political dynasty formed by Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt changed the face and future of America, and this comprehensive biography, directed by Ken Burns, spans the years from Theodore's birth in 1858 to Eleanor's death in 1962. Using some familiar images but many more rarely seen photographs and film footage, Burns deploys his now well-known technique of close-ups of the archival material to paint intimate portraits of the three Roosevelts and the eras that they dominated. The seven episodes examine the complex human beings operating behind the politics. Born to wealth and comfort, each overcame early tragedies and disappointments to develop a life view based on their own courage and vision, resulting in lifelong and selfless public service. Although he obviously admires his subjects, Burns presents their flaws as parents, spouses, and political leaders. Theodore is depicted as a lover of war and an advocate of an imperial America. Franklin was slow in his renunciation of segregation, and he approved the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and did little to help the Jews of Europe. The engaging commentary from historians—Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough—and the narration and voice-overs by Paul Giametti as Teddy and Meryl Streep as Eleanor make this as engrossing to listen to as to watch. While the program's length makes it difficult to use in the classroom, pertinent sections of the series will greatly enhance the study of the Gilded Age, the Great Depression, and World War II. Highly recommended for all school media collections.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School Library, Pawling, NY