This biography explores Harry Hopkins's pivotal role in maintaining personal relations among the Big Three during World War II. Hopkins, an Iowa-born social worker, became a crucial figure in FDR's administration, known for his ability to take political risks and his deep understanding of power dynamics. The book offers a fresh perspective on the World War II era through Hopkins's life and influence.
This book provides a detailed account of Louis Johnson's contributions to the development of long-term industrial mobilization for war during the Roosevelt and Truman years. It explores Johnson's pivotal role in shaping U.S. military policy and industrial preparedness. The authors, Keith D. McFarland and David L. Roll, offer a thorough analysis of Johnson's impact on American military history.
The Super-Lawyers by Joseph C. Goulden delves into the powerful and small world of great Washington law firms, providing insights into their influence and operations. The book was released in 1972 and offers a glimpse into the legal landscape of that era.
Out of Africa is a lyrical memoir by Karen Blixen, written under the pen name Isak Dinesen. The book recounts her eighteen years in Kenya, detailing her experiences on a coffee plantation and her relationships with the local people and fellow expatriates. It is a poignant reflection on colonial life, love, and loss, structured as a series of anecdotes rather than a chronological narrative.
David L. Roll's biography provides a detailed and nuanced portrait of George Marshall, one of America's most influential soldier-statesmen. The book delves into Marshall's military service in World War I and World War II, his conception of the Marshall Plan, and his roles as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. Roll uses previously unavailable documents to offer new insights into Marshall's leadership and character.
For reasons both obvious and perhaps less so, this week's episode holds a very special place in my heart.
There is something unique about sitting before a microphone that permits a species of conversation difficult to otherwise have. Done right, the inherent formality of putting it all on the record can countenance an experience of rare intimacy that scarcely transpires in the course of conventional human interaction.
From the very beginning of this podcast journey, I've longed to host my father on the show. To provide a ceremonial opportunity to probe his life, uninterrupted. To learn things about him I've always wanted to know — but for whatever reason just never found the right occasion to ask.
For years, I harbored the fear that if I didn't make such an experience a priority, it might never happen. And that would be something I would deeply regret for the rest of my days.
My drive was never to share such an experience with an audience. I wasn't convinced the conversation I yearned for would be appropriate for public consumption. It's always been about creating a moment just for us. A document I could privately keep for posterity. And for my children.
However, a compelling reason recently arose to transform this rumination into reality.
A gentleman and a scholar, Dave Roll has spent the better part of his life studying history. The apex of this passion is an incredible new book entitled, George Marshall: Defender of the Republic*. An enthralling and deeply thoughtful chronicle of America's most distinguished soldier since George Washington, it's also a deeply prescient and timely meditation on selflessness, leadership, and the momentous importance of moral character in political and social structures. The embodiment of these ideals, Marshall influenced the course of two world wars, and helped define the American century.
By way of background, my dad has enjoyed a very successful 35 year career as an accomplished attorney in the field of antitrust. Over the years, he successfully defended clients in investigations and enforcement actions brought by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. After government service at the FTC he matriculated to partner and ultimately managing partner of the prestigious Washington, D.C.- based international law firm Steptoe & Johnson. Later in his career, he founded the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation, a non-profit, public interest organization that provides pro bono legal services to social entrepreneurs around the world.
Now in his third act, Dave is enjoying a successful career as an author. Also historical biographies, his previous titles include The Hopkins Touch: Harry Hopkins and the Forging of the Alliance to Defeat Hitler* and Louis Johnson and the Arming of America*, a biography of Harry Truman's defense secretary.
Enjoy!
Rich
The Rich Roll Podcast 
