Sailor in the White House: The Seafaring Life of FDR - Hardcover

Robert F. Cross

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1557503184 ISBN 13: 9781557503183

Publisher: Naval Institute Press, 2003

Synopsis

This behind-the-scenes look at Franklin D. Roosevelt's extraordinary skill as a blue-water sailor explores how his love of the sea shaped his approach to public service and even influenced the course of events in World War II. Family and friends, Secret Service agents, and others reveal never-before-told stories of their days afloat with America's greatest seafaring president, including how he escaped injury when fire broke out aboard his small schooner, how ships were modified to accommodate his disability, and details of his wartime rendezvous with Winston Churchill. Sailing pals discuss his abilities as a skipper along with his enjoyment of an evening cocktail at sea during the days of Prohibition. Letters and other documents illustrate how the sea was never far from Roosevelt's thoughts. Robert Cross examines Roosevelt's great affection for the sea in the context of an era dominated by the Great Depression and two world wars. While some criticized Roosevelt for taking too many seagoing trips-he logged hundreds of thousands of miles at sea and was sometimes out of touch with the White House and the Secret Service for hours-FDR was quick to explain that his lengthy voyages allowed him to personally assess the world situation instead of relying solely on White House briefing books. The author argues that the skills required to be a good sailor have much in common with those needed to be a successful politician: the ability to alter courses, make compromises, and shift positions as the situation warrants. Cross describes FDR as a master at dealing with the unexpected, allowing him to excel in the Navy department, the governor's mansion, and the White House, as well as on the open sea. From luxury ocean liners and presidential yachts to submarines and kayaks, this book lists all of the vessels on which FDR sailed and includes some never-before-published photographs. Robert F. Cross, a former award-winning newspaper reporter, is the water commissioner for Albany, New York, and oversees operations at the Port of Albany. He also is a trustee of the USS Slater, a World War II museum ship.

About this title

Review:

A very agreeable book to read. Associated Press "Filled with sometimes startling new details, Sailor in the White House offers up a fresh and vivid portrait of Franklin Roosevelt against the backdrop he loved best--the open sea. No one interested in FDR or his era will want to miss it." Geoffrey C. Ward, author of A First Class Temperament: The Emergence of Franklin Roosevelt "This delightful book adds a new dimension to our understanding of Franklin D. Roosevelt. As Robert F. Cross persuasively shows, FDR employed the skills of an expert navigator whether as a sailor on blue water or as a statesman leading his nation." Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., Pulitzer Prize-winning author Takes a fresh angle on the well-documented life of FDR. Sailing A good book for anyone interested in politics or 20th century history. Ensign

Synopsis:

Franklin Roosevelt's love of the sea and sailing was "integral to his entire makeup as well as to the accomplishments of his twelve-year presidency," argues newspaper correspondent Cross. He chronicles many of Roosevelt's seafaring activities before and during his presidency, focusing on the political decisions and events that took place on board.

About this edition

• Publisher: Naval Institute Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1557503184
• ISBN 13: 9781557503183
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240