The Kennedys : End of a Dynasty

By Life Magazine and LIFE

Book Overview

With the passing of Edward Moore Kennedy on August 25, 2009, a climactic chapter in a thunderous American political saga came to an end, a chapter that featured the very greatest triumphs and the darkest tragedies. In this commemorative book, the Kennedys' remarkable story is retold-the clan's rise from the grinding poverty of America's immigrant stock to the highest reaches of power and influence. With the driven patriarch Joe piloting the political machine, the second son of the Kennedy's greatest generation, Jack, achieved the unthinkable and became the nation's first Catholic president. The came Bobby and Ted-cultural icons as much as legislators, each of the men instantly knowable by his first name-and the Kennedy's epic extended, with ever more glory and ever more sorrow. In this new book from the editors of LIFE, the constant drama of the Kennedy tale are captured in a riveting narrative and characteristically stunning photography, much of which first appeared in the pages of the renowned magazine. The great moments on the public stage are here, as are intimate photographs of warm family gatherings on Cape Cod and at Hickory Hill. In LIFE The Kennedys , which gives a complete account starting with the desperate 19th century flight from the famine in Ireland through the late senator's recent funeral, all the characters come to life-the legendary politician called Honey Fitz; the ruthless Joe; the matriarch Rose; the charismatic Joe Jr., killed in World War II; the famous trio of brothers; their remarkable sisters, including the heroic Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who died just before her younger brother in August; the next generation-John Jr., Caroline, Bobby Jr. and their many kin-who have also experienced life's joy and pain. The Kennedys have legions of Americans who are devoted to them and their legacy, and, yes, they have their detractors. But one point is inarguable: In the history of our country, there has never been a family like them. Their story is truly Shakespearean. In these pages, that story comes vibrantly to life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1603201327
• ISBN13: 9781603201322
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: Life
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.3" x 0.5" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: Grade 11 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Tribute

This is a nice tribute to JFK, RFK, and Ted. With Ted Kennedy's death, I feel like it is definitely the end of an era. I loved the pictures that included Ted's funeral and the days after his death with the picture of the family lined up outside the Hyannis Port house as Ted's coffin is being carried away. This book is for those who want to remember a time of hope and promise and who want to view excellent photos at the same time.

The Kennedys: End of a Dynasty (Life, Life Books)

After the death of Senator Ted Kennedy I was looking for a book like this. Just my opinion but I would have changed the title by dropping the word Dynasty and changing it to Era. But as noted thats just me. If you are emotional you will feel a bit of sadness as you read this book, especially as you reflect back over their lives. Now as I write this I realize that tomorrow, 22 Nov 09, is the 46th anniversary of JFK's assassination. Yes, when we lost Ted it truely was the end of an Era, one of which, in my lifetime, we shall not see again. As to the Book Review, it is definitely an excellent book and an easy read. It will bring back many memories, some bad but most good. I highly recommend this book to anyone who liked JFK, Bobby and Ted.

The Kennedys

Excellent surface level look at the Kennedy family, including history most people aren't aware of. Great pix.

The Kennedy Brothers, Last of a dynasty

Very interesting book if you are a fan of the Kennedys. The last of the line is now gone but not forgotten. We will never see the like of them again.A.T.Kiln