The Kennedy Men: 1901-1963

Laurence Leamer

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In Circulation

In this triumphant new work already hailed as a powerful American epic, Laurence Leamer chronicles the Kennedy men and their struggle to create the most powerful family in the United States. The Kennedy Men is the first volume in a multi-generational history that will forever change the way America views its most famous family. Beginning in 1901 with twelve-year-old Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. delivering hats to Boston's social elite and ending in 1963 with the assassination of his son, President John F. Kennedy, Leamer seamlessly unites the complex strands of their economic, political, and social rise.

This magnificent new volume is based on four years of interviews with Kennedy insiders and experts, as well as in-depth research including unprecedented new sources and materials: the private archives of JFK's longtime secretary Evelyn Lincoln, secret tapes JFK recorded in the Oval Office, revealing letters from the president's doctors, Rose Kennedy's never-before-heard interview tapes, and interviews with CIA operatives and Kennedy family members.

Throughout, The Kennedy Men brings to life five bold, ambitious men. The Kennedy patriarch, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., was one of the richest, strongest men in America's history. His firstborn son, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., was the heir apparent, a handsome, gregarious youth who died a hero's death. John F. Kennedy picked up his brother's fallen mantle and carried it all the way to the White House. Leamer details the heartbreaking story of President Kennedy's health and how it affected not only him, but also America and the world. Robert F. Kennedy, his brother's liege, was an attorney general of unprecedented power, fighting both organized crime and a secret war against Castro. Edward M. Kennedy, the youngest of that generation of Kennedy men, was a fun-loving athlete who reluctantly headed up the hard road to power.

Combining powerful dramatic narrative with impeccably researched detail, Leamer illuminates the Kennedys' aspirations and love of family, their accomplishments and failures, their heroism and frailty, their loves and passions, and their patriotism and selfishness. Filled with startling revelations from headline-making stories of great events within the Oval Office such as the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis to the secret untold tales of their wives and lovers-the story of the Kennedy men is here in all its triumph and tragedy. It is a spellbinding personal history of individuals and a journey of character through time told by a brilliant, masterful writer.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Multigenerational Perspective: The book provides a multigenerational perspective on the Kennedy family, starting from Joseph P. Kennedy's early years in the early 1900s to the early 1960s.

  2. Joseph P. Kennedy's Ambitions: The book likely delves into Joseph P. Kennedy's ambitions, successes, and influence on his children's political careers. Joseph Kennedy was a prominent businessman, diplomat, and political figure.

  3. John F. Kennedy's Early Life: Insights into John F. Kennedy's formative years, including his childhood, education, and military service, may be explored in the book.

  4. Political Aspirations and Achievements: The book may highlight the political aspirations and achievements of the Kennedy family, particularly John F. Kennedy's rise to the presidency and his impact on American politics.

  5. Family Dynamics: Given the focus on multiple generations, the book may explore the dynamics within the Kennedy family, including relationships, collaborations, and conflicts.

  6. Rose Kennedy's Influence: Rose Kennedy, the matriarch of the family, played a significant role. The book might discuss her influence on her children's lives and her perspective on their political endeavors.

  7. Impact of Historical Events: The book likely places the Kennedy family within the context of major historical events, such as World War II and the Cuban Missile Crisis, providing insights into how these events shaped their lives.

  8. Tragedies and Losses: The Kennedy family experienced profound tragedies, including the deaths of Joe Jr., Kathleen, and Rosemary. The book may explore how these losses impacted the family.

  9. Public Image vs. Private Reality: The contrast between the public image of the Kennedys and their private lives may be a recurring theme, shedding light on the challenges and expectations they faced in the public eye.

  10. Legacy of the Kennedy Family: The book may conclude by reflecting on the legacy of the Kennedy family, both in terms of political contributions and their lasting impact on American society.

Language English
ISBN-10 0688163157
ISBN-13 9780688163150
No of pages 896
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher William Collins
Published Date 22 Feb 2011

About Author

Author : Laurence Leamer

2 Books

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