Book cover of A World Made New: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Book description

FINALIST FOR THE ROBERT F. KENNEDY BOOK AWARD • “An important, potentially galvanizing book, and in this frightful, ferocious time, marked by war and agony, it is urgent reading.”—Blanche Wiesen Cook, Los Angeles Times
 
Unafraid to speak her mind and famously tenacious in her convictions, Eleanor Roosevelt was still…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked A World Made New as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book brings to life Eleanor's remarkable accomplishment at the United Nations in 1948 when she shepherded the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights without a dissenting vote. Describes the importance of this declaration as the primary instrument for the human rights movement today and argues there is much to learn from Eleanor's effort that incorporated both liberty and social responsibility in one of the world's most important documents. 

From Maurine's list on Eleanor Roosevelt and her world.

Few diplomats of the late 1940s thought that Eleanor Roosevelt had much to offer the new United Nations, which had just begun after World War II. The former first lady, in the view of most experts, lacked preparation in foreign affairs; too voluble and too inexperienced, she might blunder into controversy. But they were totally wrong. As law professor Mary Ann Glendon so memorably shows, Mrs. Roosevelt as UN delegate became a star player on the international stage, the guiding spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and a much-admired “first lady of the world”.

If you love A World Made New...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like A World Made New?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like A World Made New.

Browse books like A World Made New

Book cover of The Early Years
Book cover of Courage in a Dangerous World: The Political Writings of Eleanor Roosevelt
Book cover of You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like A World Made New, you might also like...

Book cover of In Bad Faith

In Bad Faith by Geoffrey Carter,

Nelson West, a former Chicago homicide detective, is hired by wealthy heir Lionel Bing to discreetly help “fix” scandals and legal problems for his father’s wealthy friends.

Bing, a brilliant but troubled investigator, suffers from PTSD symptoms as a result of being kidnapped and witnessing the murder of his mother…

Book cover of Your Sun Will Rise Again: Poems of Hope and Survival

Your Sun Will Rise Again by Joseph Jean Baptiste Jolicoeur,

Your Sun Will Rise Again is a powerful collection of poetic reflections on hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Written with sincerity and depth, these poems speak directly to those navigating life’s challenges, offering comfort, clarity, and quiet strength in difficult moments.

Through simple yet profound language, the book reminds…

5 book lists we think you will like!