America First by H.W. Brands

Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for America First:

The pilot vs. the president. The pilot crashed hard.

Quick synopsis:

The story of when FDR and Charles Lindbergh battled publicly over isolationism before World War II.  

Fact for Non-History People:

When FDR contracted the illness which would leave him unable to walk, he initially was paralyzed from the neck down.

Fact for History Nerds:

Lindbergh tried to serve in the military in World War II but was ultimately blocked after going toe to toe with FDR.

My Take on America First:

H.W. Brands is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read many of his books and I was primed to enjoy his newest, America First. The setup is simple. FDR wanted to move America towards fighting Hitler. Charles Lindbergh, American hero, felt the U.S. had no business intervening in World War II after the devastation of World War I. This is the story of a consummate master politician versus a man who seemingly had no fear.

The book writes itself. And even better, Brands knows this book is already written for him. What I mean by that is Brands litters this book with direct quotes (my favorite!) from FDR, Lindbergh, and various other people. I love it when a historian lets people speak for themselves while the author guides the reader by the hand. I don’t want to hear what the author thinks about what Lindbergh thinks. I want to hear what Lindbergh said and I want to know the context. And then I want to make up my mind from there. Additionally, Brands stays laser focused. Yes, Churchill and other famous people pop into the narrative, but they serve their purpose and then exit. This book is about the two antagonists, and it stays that way.

Brands’ narrative is exceptional. I am sure of this because I am not terribly fond of FDR or Lindbergh and yet I was still riveted from page 1. This is not to say either is painted as a saint. FDR is still the political (conniving?) animal who won the presidency four times. Lindbergh is still a determined man who is painfully naive. The book made me find a new understanding with both of them amidst the greater discussion of American involvement in World War II. Brands presents them as they were in their own words. They both deserve that either for good or bad.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Doubleday Books.)

Verdict:

One of the best books of 2024. Buy it here!

If You Liked This Try:

• Tom Dunkel, White Knights in the Black Orchestra