Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., chronicles the short life of the Kennedy family's second presidential hopeful in "a story that leaves the reader aching for what cannot be recaptured" (Miami Herald). Schlesinger's account vividly recalls the forces that shaped Robert Kennedy, from his position as the third son of a powerful Irish Catholic political clan to his concern for issues of social justice in the turbulent 1960s. ROBERT KENNEDY AND HIS TIMES is "a picture of a deeply compassionate man hiding his vulnerability, drawn to the underdogs and the unfortunates in society by his life experiences and sufferings" (Los Angeles Times).
Robert Kennedy and His Times
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
Schlesinger, historian and friend of Bobby Kennedy, has had access for the first time to private papers, letters, and journals which make possible a fresh look at both personal relationships and public events. Winner of the 1979 National Book Award for Biography.
From the Paperback edition. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
ARTHUR M. SCHLESINGER, JR., the author of sixteen books, was a renowned historian and social critic. He twice won the Pulitzer Prize, in 1946 for The Age of Jackson and in 1966 for A Thousand Days. He was also the winner of the National Book Award for both A Thousand Days and Robert Kennedy and His Times (1979). In 1998 he was awarded the prestigious National Humanities Medal.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
All I can say is that I am truly sorry I missed the man and the time period. I borrowed the book from a friend wanting to learn more about my father's hero. I couldn't stop reading about the amazingly complex, sometimes flawed, man and his times. Now I find myself constantly wondering what it would have been like to live through the amazing highs and tremendous lows that RFK had to endure. I now quote him in school papers and refer to his philosophy in different social settings. Read this book and learn about the president that almost was. Read about the man that did so much for our country and could have done so much more. It hurts me to think of what could have been if only he would have been allowed to live and fight. Schlesinger lays down the foundation of RFK's beliefs and strategies in an easy to read way. Needless to say, he is no longer only my father's hero, he's mine too.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Jerry Wilt
Format:Hardcover
Although long (approximately 950 pages), the book is by far an exceptional look at the life of RFK. You realize what a truly and personal man that he was; and how he would have made a difference had he been elected President (speculation, of course). Nevertheless, we read what a caring and compassionate man that we was - a great supporter of the poor, the needy, the Blacks, civil rights - we could definitely use more people like him today who truly believe in these causes.
The book deals with his fights in the McCarthy era; his fights with Hoffa and other organized crime figures; the Cuban crises, and so on. The book seems compartmentalized, in this respect, and may have read better if it had been written in a chronological type order. Nevertheless, the book is exceptional. I think Arthur Schlesinger writes objectively and I disagree that the book is written in a worship style. For my purposes, once the book gets to the part where RFK joins his brother in the administration, the book really takes off.
After reading this book, you realize what a loss the world is without a human like RFK.
The book deals with his fights in the McCarthy era; his fights with Hoffa and other organized crime figures; the Cuban crises, and so on. The book seems compartmentalized, in this respect, and may have read better if it had been written in a chronological type order. Nevertheless, the book is exceptional. I think Arthur Schlesinger writes objectively and I disagree that the book is written in a worship style. For my purposes, once the book gets to the part where RFK joins his brother in the administration, the book really takes off.
After reading this book, you realize what a loss the world is without a human like RFK.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
We Miss You, Bobby
The greatest President we never had. I expected this to be a glowing portrait of Bobby since it was written by his pal Schlesinger - and it is - but the critiques of Kennedy are... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alejandro Roman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compelling Portrait of a Great Man
One cannot help thinking, while reading this book, of the scope of opportunites lost when Sirhan assasinated RFK. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Culture Queen
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quality of Kindle book
I had read this book many years ago and loved it. I couldn't find a hard cover copy of it to buy, it was written 40 years ago. Read more
Published 6 months ago by mmcn1003
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well Done Oh Good And Faithful Servant
It'll be hard to add anything to what 32 previous reviewers have written, but I did want to add my thoughts because I have always admired Robert Kennedy. Read more
Published 14 months ago by C. W. Emblom
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good
I have not read this book yet, but it arrived quickly and in good shape.
Published on June 8, 2010 by Jenn
3.0 out of 5 stars
A dirty player
Robert Kennedy played to win. The idea that he was a champion of the little guy is a myth. If you look at his record, you'll see that he was involved up to his neck in nefarious... Read more
Published on August 1, 2008 by Joe Christmas
5.0 out of 5 stars
I greatly important read
Arthur Schlesinger's mammoth biography is a critically important look into one of our countries most engaging political figures. Read more
Published on June 17, 2008 by Jonathan Callahan
3.0 out of 5 stars
Engrossing, yet incomplete biography
Arthur Schlesinger writes competently enough on RFK's religious and political beliefs and evolution as a public figure. Read more
Published on July 7, 2007 by L. Bravim
5.0 out of 5 stars
If only...
This affectionately written biography of Bobby Kennedy is both pleasurable and painful to read. The man's transformation from his early years as a rackets investigator and... Read more
Published on May 27, 2007 by Thomas A. Chilton
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Sweeping History of Robert F. Kennedy
I really enjoyed reading this book. Schlesinger has given us a true portrait of Robert Kennedy, including wonderful insights into his childhood and early adult life by publishing... Read more
Published on January 25, 2007 by C. Ryan
Citations (learn more)
100
books
cite this book:
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- Miami by Joan Didion on 4 pages
- Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: A Life by Donald Spoto in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- The UAW and the Heyday of American Liberalism, 1945-1968 by Kevin Boyle in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- Argument Without End: In Search of Answers to the Vietnam Tragedy by Robert S. McNamara in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- Kennedy, Macmillan and the Cold War: The Irony of Interdependence by Nigel Ashton in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
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