1940

FDR, Willkie, Lindbergh, Hitler - The Election Amid the Storm

By: Susan Dunn

Narrated by: Corey Snow

In 1940, against the explosive backdrop of the Nazi onslaught in Europe, two farsighted candidates for the U.S. presidency - Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt, running for an unprecedented third term, and talented Republican businessman Wendell Willkie - found themselves on the defensive against American isolationists and their charismatic spokesman Charles Lindbergh, who called for surrender to Hitler's demands.

In this dramatic account of that turbulent and consequential election, historian Susan Dunn brings to life the debates, the high-powered players, and the dawning awareness of the Nazi threat as the presidential candidates engaged in their own battle for supremacy. 1940 not only explores the contest between FDR and Willkie but also examines the key preparations for war that went forward, even in the midst of that divisive election season. The audiobook tells an inspiring story of the triumph of American democracy in a world reeling from fascist barbarism, and it offers a compelling alternative scenario to today's hyperpartisan political arena, where common ground seems unattainable.

©2013 Susan Dunn (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A sympathetic, entertaining portrayal of two presidential opponents and ultimate colleagues." ( Kirkus)

My parents' age 22.

In spite of the lack of a preface or introduction the narrative flows through this critical period of our history. It shows what a democracy can do when it must.

A Fascinating Look Back

I was absolutely fascinated by the tangled web that was politics in the 1930s. I found it riveting to hear the details of how FDR managed to get himself elected for a third term, and it was a serious eye opener to hear about Americans like Ford and Lindbergh who actually liked Hitler and believed what he was saying.

Its downright scary to hear a story like this that is so well researched, detailed and precise and then compare it to the times we live in. There are so many parallels in history, right wing versus left wing, that its easy to see in hindsight how Americans made then and are making still some blind decisions and some bright ones too.

Corey Snow does a phenomenal job, pronouncing foreign terms and names precisely and pacing his reading and tone to keep the reader glued to the story.

An Election That Saved the World

A vivid account of the political battles between American internationally and isolationist that re-elected FDR and allowed the U.S. to become the Arsenal of Democracy.

Excellent In depth on a critical year

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I found the details and little known facts of this book were fabulous in understanding such a critical year and election in our countries history. The story telling made the book deliver far more then facts but infused emotion into the topics discussed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 1940?

Not one particular point but the ongoing tension between Willke and the GOP.

What about Corey Snow’s performance did you like?

The reflection and emotion helped understand the critical points.

Fascinating history

The narrator mispronounced some names but it’s interesting to compare with our political situation today.

Terrible book, with almost no solid information

The book contained almost no reliable information, and was almost all simply quoting people's opinions and newspaper articles at the time (and the choice of these quotes was very poor, those talking about merely peripherals, not essentials), rather than stating any definite facts.