Kirstin Downey s lively, substantive and dare I say inspiring new biography of Perkins . . . not only illuminates Perkins career but also deepens the known contradictions of Roosevelt s character. Maureen Corrigan, NPR Fresh Air
One of Franklin Delano Roosevelt s closest friends and the first female secretary of labor, Perkins capitalized on the president s political savvy and popularity to enact most of the Depression-era programs that are today considered essential parts of the country s social safety network."