The Imperial Rockefeller: A Biography of Nelson A. Rockefeller

by Joseph E. Persico

Book Overview

"Persico tells his story brilliantly. No one has written a book like this about Nelson Rockefeller before." New York Times "This book has the quality of fireside reminiscences, of brave days past. The... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671254189
• ISBN13: 9780671254186
• Release Date: February 1982
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Fair-minded biography by Rockefeller's speechwriter

Persico was Nelson Rockefeller's speechwriter for over a decade, and he sheds an even handed light on the former governer and Vice president. While it isn't always flattering, it strives to be fair. Moreover, Persico wrote the tome with a voice that most readers can relate to, which is an understandable awe at the vast resources of the Rockefeller family, and how the fortune is almost the rosetta stone of modern philanthropy. Beyond that, the book is an observation at the brilliance, generousity, obtuseness, egocentricity, & exasperating proclivities that made the late governer such an enigmatic figure. 90% of the material is from his election to governer onward, so you won't get much of his upbringing, but you'll have ample insight of those years to give the later years context. You'll see how his governership shaped NY State today, for better or worse. A very worthwhile read if Nelson or the Rockefellers interest you.

An Excellent Biography!

This was a very good writing of the life story of Nelson A.Rockefeller. This book tells you of the wealth that Rockefeller was raised in. It then takes him to adulthood. His years of government service are well covered by the author. His four terms as the Governor of the state of New York are documented. His term as Vice-President of the United States is also in thisbook. His being dropped from the Republican ticket is also toldin detail in this book. Rockefeller's life is well covered in this book. His service is unquestioned. You will also notice thatRockefeller was the force that brought several good people to government service. Buy this book and read it. You will not bedissapointed.