Unlikely Heroes

More about the book

Leebaert has crafted a fresh and challenging portrait of FDR and his inner circle. This analysis highlights the courageous and creative team of four individuals who played pivotal roles during a tumultuous era. Drawing on new materials, it offers a unique understanding of FDR’s presidency by focusing on the powerful yet wounded figures he relied on to confront the Depression and defeat the Axis powers. From 1933 until FDR's death in 1945, only four individuals served at the highest levels of his administration: Harry Hopkins, Harold Ickes, Frances Perkins, and Henry Wallace. These lieutenants formed the core of a government that built institutions to combat the Depression and implemented the New Deal, ultimately contributing significantly to the Allied victory in World War II. Remarkably, none were initially considered for high office prior to 1933, yet each became a world figure essential to Roosevelt's transformative vision. By examining their lives, a different narrative emerges about how Americans preserved their democracy and aided civilization abroad. The challenges they faced resonate with contemporary issues, underscoring the ongoing relevance of their experiences.