Product Description

Early in 1944, a medical examination of Franklin Roosevelt revealed that he was dying. The war was still not won, and the fourth term campaign was just around the corner. For those and other reasons, the White House physician chose to hide the condition of the president. After extensive research, Matthew B. Wills answers many questions about the incapacity of President Roosevelt during this time. He assesses the effect the president’s failing health had on his ability to perform his elected role. "A Diminished President" opens the door for the reader to see the larger implications of the actions of a few key individuals.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1673158 in Books
• Published on: 2003-02-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

Review
"Matthew Wills' book provides a welcome addition to the [FDR] literature......" -- Richard M. Langworth, CBE, Chairman, Board of Trustees, The Churchill Center

"Mr. Wills' book is fascinating......" -- Dr. Burton J. Lee III, physician to President George Herbert Walker Bush

About the Author
For over thirty-two years, Matthew B. Wills practiced law in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is the author of "Wartime Missions of Harry L. Hopkins." He and his wife, Julia, make their home in Colorado Springs.

Customer Reviews

A Cover-up That Likely Influenced World Events
FDR died in 1945. Immediately thereafter, his medical records disappeared from the Navy files, never to surface again. Admiral Ross T. McIntire, FDR's personal physician for twelve years continuously denied FDR's health problems and, in fact, wrote a book in 1945 assuring the public that the President never had any serious heart condition. He clearly withheld information about FDR's health and, thereby, misled the American people. The truth came out in 1970. The evidence of secrecy and cover-up is there for all to see. FDR was a sick man for years, and, particularly, in 1944, when he attended the Teheran Conference. He did not fully consult with Churchill and did not stand up to Stalin's demands. Fifty-eight years after the fact we learn how the irresponsibility of one man, Admiral McIntire, likely influenced the aftermath of World War II. Mr. Wills leaves us to speculate how many lives would be different today and what ways these lives could be different. Could a cover-up of this magnitude happen again?
Mr. Wills has written an engaging history full of drama building to an inescapable conclusion that in 1944-1945 FDR was a very sick man who was not able to reprsent the ideals of the American people to the best of his ability. It is authoritative and well documented. A DIMIMISHED PRESIDENT, FDR IN 1944 is highly recommended.

Couldn't Put It Down
Matthew Wills' book "A Diminished President - FDR In 1944" is outstanding. It is well researched and documented and brings to light little-known facts that clearly demonstrate that President Roosevelt was, in fact, a diminished President during the last months of his life. This may have led to some fateful decisions and actions that impact our Country even today. While the book presents many historical facts, Will's style is crisp and reads like a mystery novel. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. All who are interested in this period of our history must read this book; and, those who have not had any earlier interest could be highly enlightened and entertained. I heartily recommend the book.

Cause and effect? No
That Roosevelt wasn't well at Yalta isn't news. The only question that matters is whether his health affected foreign policy. The answer is no. FDR was always consistent in his goals, foreign and domestic; It's a matter of record. If you want a detailed account of this, please read Warren F. Kimball, a fine historian who documents FDR's consistency, in sickness and in health. Therefore, Wills' book makes too much of FDR's illnesses.

Finally, FDR literally gave his life for his country, and we are better today for his sacrifice.