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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An ispirational and poetic tribute to a complex hero,
This review is from: Robert Kennedy and His Times (Paperback)
This is my absolute favorite book in the world, and it is about my personal hero, so perhaps I am a bit biased. Yet this book spoke to me as few have. Robert Kennedy was among the most complex figures to appear on the American scene, and this is a balanced (though admittedly favorable) treatment of his fascinating life. Eminently readable, sometimes even beautifully written, Schlesinger's book seems to flesh Kennedy into a real person right before our eyes. What makes RFK such a hero to me is his humanity. He was not always perfect, not always easy, not always right. But he tried so hard, and worked so tirelessly, that even one who does not admire his social beliefs must respect his efforts. Though many mistrust him because of his late conversion to liberal politics, it is precisely this which makes him so salient a figure to me. As Schlesinger so effectively shows, Kennedy had an amazing ability to grow and change. He was ever in flux, constantly learning. This is why he would have made a great president, and this is why this book is still of so much import to the contemporary reader. As we look askance at a political community which does not seem to offer us sincerity, the picture of a fumbling, hard as nails, emotionally aroused, practical leader with a dedication to principle as well as an excellent political mind is refreshing. I recommend this book to everyone who still cares about the less fortunate in our society.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bobby Up-Close,
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This review is from: Robert Kennedy and His Times (Paperback)
Schlesinger, a Kennedy insider, takes advantage of that and of his skill as a historian to present a wonderful study of Bobby Kennedy during his life on the national scene, especially as Attorney General and after.
His few years after JFK's assassination -- 1963-68 -- were years of profound changes in Bobby. Previously characterized as ruthless and opportunist, he seemed after his brother's death to also become a more compassionate and tender public figure. Though many bitterly criticized his entry into the presidential race in 1968 -- after Eugene McCarthy's single-issue anti-war challenge had forced LBJ's withdrawal -- Bobby won back most of liberal America in a few short months of campaigning, and was on his way to win the Democratic nomination when assassinated -- the night of his victory the California primary. Schlesinger was up close during this time, and sheds light on this extraordinary transformation with rationality, perspective and great care. Beyond being Bobby's friend, Schlesinger is at the same time truly a scholar. His scholarship allows his book to systematically present an extraordinary number of quotations by the major players in Kennedy's life in those years. It is thoroughly referenced, with good notes. Beyond that, the quotations add great dimension to the portrait of a great man moving through private and public transformation.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Engrossing, yet incomplete biography,
This review is from: Robert Kennedy and His Times (Paperback)
Arthur Schlesinger writes competently enough on RFK's religious and political beliefs and evolution as a public figure. There is roughly 400 pages on his time as Attorney General and 300 on his time as U.S. Senator and presidential candidate. What is lacking is a feeling of really knowing the man personally that I usually get after reading a good biography (e.g. Truman, Years of Lyndon Johnson). Though Schlesinger's is among the longest RFK biographies, almost nothing is mentioned about his marriage, relationship with children and family or anything else aside from his public life and persona. The most interesting aspect of RFK is his willingness to get dirty; visiting rat-infested slums in Bedford, NY and listening to people. No U.S. Senator does that anymore. He truly cared about poverty and suffering and based his presidential campaign around it. He was an excellent public servant and; had he lived a few years longer, would have made a great president. Considering this is the highest-regarded of RFK biography, I was sorely disappointed. Schlesinger as historian manages only dry prose which cannot capture the style or mood of the nation at the end of Kennedy's life.
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