Rexford G. Tugwell: A Biography [Hardcover]

Michael V. Namorato (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 22, 1988 | ISBN-10: 0275929612 | ISBN-13: 978-0275929619

As a member of Roosevelt's brain trust, chairman of New York City's Planning Commission, and governor of Puerto Rico, Rexford G. Tugwell was a public figure frequently stereotyped by historians who "saw in him what they wanted to see." Namorato's clear and thorough examination of Tugwell's life is the first complete biography of this prominent political figure. The volume opens with an investigation into Tugwell's early years and then discusses his experiences during World War I, the years from 1920 to 1932 which Tugwell spent as an economics professor at Columbia University, Tugwell's brain trust role, and his New Deal years from 1932 to 1936. The author also examines Tugwell's term as chairman of the NYCPC and as governor of Puerto Rico from 1937 through 1946. Namorato's portrayal provides a fresh and balanced view of this unique statesman.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

MICHAEL V. NAMORATO is Associate Professor of History at the University of Mississippi.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 202 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (July 22, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275929612
• ISBN-13: 978-0275929619
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,016,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Terrible book, May 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Rexford G. Tugwell: A Biography (Hardcover)

A biography about Rexford Tugwell is in great demand, unfortunately the author does not deliver. The first weakness the reader will encounter is the very poor writing style of the author. The entire book lacks a flow from point to point which should pull the reader through the chapters. Even with this said, the true underlying fault in the writing is the complete absence of Tugwell's dark personal life. It is common knowledge, among most New Deal historians, Tugwell had extramarital affairs. However, Michael Namorato does not mention these affairs. In fact, one of these affairs was with a woman who Tugwell later married. This is a major fact which must be included so that the reader can understand what kind of person he was. The author's silence on this topic shows his inability to break away from his own bias. After all, true historians attempt to eliminate their own preconceived biases (Carr). This absence just makes the reader also wonder how much more Namorato is not telling us.

It is true research on Tugwell is much needed but Namorato does not deliver. It is no doubt Michael Namorato is a some what average researcher but the fact he picks and chooses the information he wishes to present severely discredits his objectivity as a historian. This fact combined with a terrible, dry writing style should leave the reader with an undying need never to read another one of his works again. It says on the book, Namorato is a professor at the University of Mississippi. If this is true, this reviewer only hopes he does not torture his students with this abominable book.

Cons
- Horrible readability
- Complete absence of major sections of Tugwell's personal life

Pros
- Good example on how not to write a biography