Eleanor Roosevelt was born on October 11, 1884. In honor of her birthday, here’s a list of 10 books about her life, thoughts, and work.
The issues, thoughts, and solutions of ER’s life are highly applicable to what’s going on in the world today. I find this both inspiring and rather sad: ER’s work and words were brilliant. However, had the world really listened to ER and those who worked with her, we might not be confronting the same issues again today.
ER’s life, written in her self-effacing, warm, and highly-aware-of-her-public-duty manner. Previously, sections of the book were published as three independent books before being compiled into this volume.
Constantly asked her opinion and advice by reporters, politicians, people in the street, and letter-writers – ER received hundreds of thousands of letters over the course of her career – ER wrote this book towards the end of her life to answer the one question she said was at the heart of all the various questions posed her: “What have you learned from life that might help solve this or that difficulty?”
A collection of writings covering domestic and international issues ranging from the New Deal to the Cold War to human rights, domestic issues, and international issues.
The books that many (including me) feel are the most comprehensive biographies about ER, covering personal and public matters. Volume I covers ER’s life before the White House years, and Volume II covers her life as First Lady. Hoping that Volume III is still in progress and will emerge soon!
A history of ER’s life and influence after the White House years.
ER’s connection with Lorena Hickok was in some ways public, in other ways not; this book explores the side the press and public ignored, sometimes due to discretion and sometimes due to selective ignorance.
India and the Awakening East
A still-relevant account of ER’s trip to India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and Asia in the early 1950’s. ER calls for American understanding of different cultures and asks that Americans make an effort to widen their perspective of the world.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
ER was not the sole author of this crucial United Nations document, but she is respected as the Mother of the UDHR, as she worked for years to bring opposing factions to agreement in drafting this document.
Note: You’ll notice that the links to in-print books are to The Tattered Cover. One of the largest independent bookstores in the country (three big stores and an extensive website), Tattered has always been a voice for and a place for people to go in Denver. Owner Joyce Meskis is much loved for the ambiance, selection, and principles she has established. A few years ago, she took a case defending First Amendment rights to the Colorado Supreme Court and won: She refused to release purchase records of a client to the police. I no longer live in Denver, but value Tattered’s online services. (And, since first writing this post, I’ve become an affiliate, as I appreciate independent bookstores and love Tattered!)
