Herbert Hoover

A Life

By: Glen Jeansonne

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

“At last, a biography of Herbert Hoover that captures the man in full.... [Jeansonne] has splendidly illuminated the arc of one of the most extraordinary lives of the twentieth century.” (David M. Kennedy, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Freedom from Fear)

Prize-winning historian Glen Jeansonne delves into the life of our most misunderstood president, offering up a surprising new portrait of Herbert Hoover - dismissing previous assumptions and revealing a political Progressive in the mold of Theodore Roosevelt and the most resourceful American since Benjamin Franklin.

Orphaned at an early age and raised with strict Quaker values, Hoover earned his way through Stanford University. His hardworking ethic drove him to a successful career as an engineer and multinational businessman. After the Great War, he led a humanitarian effort that fed millions of Europeans left destitute, arguably saving more lives than any man in history. As commerce secretary under President Coolidge, Hoover helped modernize and galvanize American industry and orchestrated the rehabilitation of the Mississippi Valley after the Great Flood of 1927.

As president, Herbert Hoover became the first chief executive to harness federal power to combat a crippling global recession. Though Hoover is often remembered as a "do-nothing" president, Jeansonne convincingly portrays a steadfast leader who challenged Congress on an array of legislation that laid the groundwork for the New Deal. In addition Hoover reformed America's prisons, improved worker safety, and fought for better health and welfare for children. Unfairly attacked by Franklin D. Roosevelt and blamed for the Depression, Hoover was swept out of office in a landslide. Yet as FDR's government grew into a bureaucratic behemoth, Hoover became the moral voice of the GOP and a champion of Republican principles - a legacy reignited by Ronald Reagan and that still endures today.

A compelling and rich examination of his character, accomplishments, and failings, this is the magnificent biography of Herbert Hoover we have long waited for.

©2016 Glen Jeansonne (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Herbert Hoover is usually ranked near the bottom of American presidents. Glen Jeansonne’s biography of the man who was chief executive from 1929 to 1933 is a cri de coeur over what the author sees as a grievous injustice. True, Hoover did preside over the worst economic catastrophe in our nation’s history. But in Herbert Hoover: A Life, he is a fascinating and accomplished individual - the ‘most versatile American since Benjamin Franklin’ - and an idealistic, dynamic president who deserves a better reputation.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“Jeansonne portrays a president more centrist than extreme, a leader who might have succeeded in a second term.... Strong - well-written and well-researched.” (Amity Shlaes, Wall Street Journal)

“Historian Glen Jeansonne’s fine biography, the first to treat [Herbert Hoover’s] entire life…has given us an exhaustively researched, balanced, and thorough treatment of an American life very much worth knowing about.” (The American Spectator)

Superb biography of a vastly under-rated president

Would you consider the audio edition of Herbert Hoover to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print edition so I really can't compare them. However, the audio edition is superbly done. The reader is one of the best to whom I have listened, and I have listened to a lot of audio books.

What did you like best about this story?

I now have a greater appreciation for Herbert Hoover. He was a brilliant man who served all of humanity without thought of enriching himself. He may be the man most responsible for saving more lives from starving to death than any person in history. Unfortunately, he was president when The Great Depression began. It is interesting to speculate how things would have gone if FDR had been elected in 1928 and Hoover in 1932 or if Hoover had never been president. He would probably gone down in the history books as one of America's greatest humanitarians.

I think the despicable treatment of Hoover by FDR was unconscionable. Between his election in November of 1932 and taking office in March of 1933, FDR did absolutely nothing to help the country by assisting Hoover. FDR wanted the country to suffer as much and as long as possible so that he could 'ride in on a white horse" and rescue the country. Ironically, FDR pursued many of the same policies Hoover used. FDR did not end the Great Depression, WWII helped the nation back to recovery along with other factors.

The Democrats used Hoover and The Great Depression for the next 30-40 years as a reason why the country should never elect another Republican. Harry Truman, among others, realized the greatness of Hoover and treated him with respect.

What about Mark Deakins’s performance did you like?

He read the story beautifully.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

FDR's incredibly nasty treatment of Hoover from FDR's election until FDR died.

Any additional comments?

The book really opened my eyes to what a kind and generous man Herbert Hoover was. He has suffered too long at the hands of the worshipers of FDR, in particular the liberal historians.

Herbert Hoover: A Love Letter

"A Love Letter" is the appropriate subtitle for this book. It is clear that the author's intention was to define Hoover as one of the greatest humans to ever grace the planet. Apparently the author thought he never made a mistake and was correct in all of his beliefs. And of course, FDR was wrong in everything he did. That being said, Hoover had a remarkable life and deserves a thorough biography, but maybe not one as slanted as this.

Outstanding new look at a great American!

Hoover was the greatest humanitarian in history. He was a stalwart conservative in the dark years of the New Deal and its later bureaucratic entrenchment. This book really portrays this practical, thoughtful, industrious, caring and patriotic man.

great book to listen to

great book to listen to. little redundant in some areas but lot of facts and entertaining throughout listening

Herbert Hoover - good story

This audio book entertains from beginning to end. It tells a most fascinating story of one of our most under-appreciated presidents. As a student of U.S. History I appreciate this man's accomplishments before, during, and after his term in office. I wish more people would learn about Mr. Hoover.

A surprisingly influential figure

Would you listen to Herbert Hoover again? Why?

Yes. I always had a less than impressive regard for Hoover. That was because his presidency is linked with the Great Depression. Now I know much more about him; how and why he was able to become president. Regardless of political persuasion, one must admit that he accomplished much to be admired.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Herbert Hoover?

His struggle to meet the demands of Stanford.

Which scene was your favorite?

In general, his time in China.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Accomplishing the American Dream

Well-written, well-researched, surprising

I’m working my way through presidential biographies and had no idea how fascinating Hoover would be. As with most biographies, the author seems to see events through the eyes of his subject. However, this provided a point of view not often found. This has been the most surprising biography I have ever read.

Pretty biased with Hoover never doing anything wrong

I’m sure the truth is somewhere out there. This book is so biased you would think Hoover never did anything wrong. Ever.

Hard to get through since there was little to no objectivity calling out failings. The author tiptoes toward sycophancy and is painfully partisan.

Interesting as hell. Just not objective so another book is needed to find the truth somewhere in between.

informative & interesting book.

never going to be a highly rated president (and rightfully so), but the author details well Hoover's many positive attributes and contributions though with a bit of rose-colored tint. Great book to learn about Hoover.

Amazing story.

I'm a history teacher and will add the Herbert Hoover story to the lies we have been told by liberal, elitist historians. This book will be one of my favorites of all time. Well written and thoroughly documented.