The Eleanor Roosevelt Encyclopedia
Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century. Her involvement with social causes, her unconventional career as first lady, and her underappreciated work with the United Nations carved a place for her in history. The many roles of wife, mother, reformer, reporter, columnist, TV interviewer, radio commentator, diplomat, and political campaigner are all covered in this comprehensive encyclopedia.Some 237 entries arranged in alphabetical order and interspersed with numerous black-and-white photographs bring together the people and the achievements centered on this one remarkable woman. Topics were selected based on the recommendations of scholars and the staff at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and range from the excellent essay on how biographers have studied Roosevelt to discussions of more mundane issues, such as her clothing. Difficult subjects such as the changes in the Roosevelts' marriage and speculation about the first lady's own sexual orientation are given due consideration. Her support for civil rights and her invaluable work on the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" receive serious attention. Even her voluminous FBI file and J. Edgar Hoover's deep dislike and distrust are covered in detail. Useful lists are found in the entriesAwards(noting her many honorary degrees) andInternet resources.The articles vary in length from a few paragraphs to multiple pages for entries such asCivil Rights; Roosevelt, Franklin D., Jr.;andSpeeches.Most are signed and conclude with a selected bibliography that is generally a mix of primary and secondary source materials. Cross-references to related articles are noted with an asterisk. The index notes entry headings in bold type. The entries are preceded by a chronology and two pages of well-known Roosevelt quotations. One photograph showing Roosevelt on a trail ride in Yosemite National Park seems misplaced in the entry on her religious beliefs.That Eleanor Roosevelt was a complex twentieth-century woman is illustrated throughout the volume, which brings together in a scholarly yet readable style the many facets of her life and career. This encyclopedia is recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries.RBBCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved