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Title: Still one of the best introductions to the New Deal
Review: I first read this book in 1980, when it was probably the best available introduction to the New Deal era. Leuchtenburg is such a stylish writer that the book remains well worth reading. However, some of his arguments, particularly on the economic side, need a little updating. In addition, there are more thorough works these days on Roosevelt's battles with the Supreme Court and the complexities of the court's judgements. Leuchtenburg's real achievement, though, is to bring across the sense of hope and creativity and energy that Roosevelt infused into so many Americans. It is the spirit of the times, as much as any supposed lessons about government activism and demand management, that makes the New Deal era so special. Leuchtenburg captures that spirit extremely well.
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