November 15, 2012
USA TODAY REVIEWS NEW BOOK ON JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, SR.
Nashville, Tennessee* (JFK+50) USA Today published a review today on a new book by David Nasaw titled "The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy."
The book, published by The Penguin Press, is rated 4 stars by Deirdre Donahue of USA Today.
The review is one of four included under the heading "Biographies probe power & passion that drive great men."
The other books reviewed are "Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power" by Jon Meacham, "The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War & Peace" by H. W. Brands & "The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Defender of the Realm, 1940-1965" by William Manchester & Paul Reid.
Joseph P. Kennedy
Colony Restaurant
New York City
November 1, 1940
Photo by Larry Gibson
The review of the Kennedy book begins with this assessment:
"David Nasaw disproves so many lurid tales about the Kennedy clan in this comprehensive & compelling bio of old Joe.
No, he wasn't a bootlegger, nor did he steal the state of Illinois so his son could become president."
Nasaw also, according to the review, claims that Gloria Swanson "wasn't the love of (Joe's) life" but one of the "hundreds of beautiful women" he knew.
While Nasaw describes Joe Kennedy, Sr. as a "brilliant businessman," he argues that he was unsuccessful as ambassador to Great Britain under FDR.
Deirdre Donahue concludes this brief review with these words:
"In this outstanding biography, (David Nasaw) captures the reality of one of America's most complicated & controversial figures."
*JFK+50 is spending a 2 day vacation in our state capital, Nashville. The weather here is cool but promises to be a sunny day with a high of 56 degrees.
