Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver

By Scott Stossel

Book Overview

Working for four presidents over six decades, R. Sargent "Sarge" Shriver founded the Peace Corps, launched the War on Poverty, created Head Start and Legal Services for the Poor, started the Special Olympics, and served as ambassador to France. Yet from the moment he married Joseph P. Kennedy's daughter Eunice in 1953, Shriver had to navigate a difficult course between independence and family loyalty that tended to obscure his incredible achievements. Scott Stossel, through complete access to Shriver and his family, renders the story of his life in cinematic detail. Shriver's myriad historical legacies are testaments to the power of his vision and his ability to inspire others. But it is the colorful personality and indomitable spirit of the man himself--traits that allowed him to survive the Depression, WWII, and the Kennedy family--that will inspire readers today to expand the "horizons of the possible."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1588341275
• ISBN13: 9781588341273
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Smithsonian Books
• Length: 761 Pages
• Weight: 2.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The Overlooked Superstar

Sargent Shriver may have first entered public eye as the brother-in-law of John F. Kennedy and he may and leave it as father-in-law of Arnold Schwarzenegger. But in reality Shriver, in is own right, is an overlooked superstar. He embodies the energy and vision of the New Frontier and the Great Society and his legacies are the most successful programs of each: Peace Corps, Head Start, Legal Services and, while not a government program, the Special Olympics. Scott Stossel's rich biography deserves five stars on two accounts. It is an accurate, compelling story of a great man and humanitarian. In addition it is remarkably well written and cohesive book. As I read it, I kept thinking this is Pulitzer Prize quality writing

Very readable (and inspiring, too)

I found this book to be a fascinating way to look at 20th century American history through the prism of a very inspiring man's life. It was also pretty interesting to get the inside scoop on some of the personalities and behind-the-scenes maneuverings that shaped major events in our nation's history. What was maybe most interesting to me, though, was the thoughtful way the book explored what it was like for Shriver being sort-of-but-not-quite a Kennedy. Both the book and Shriver himself are inspiring. It seems like they don't make people like him anymore!

a returned Peace Corps Volunteer

When I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal in the 1960s, Sarge Shriver was one of my heroes. This eloquent book makes him even more of a hero, a passionate idealistic citizen who has made a difference in so many arenas in American life. In a time when Americans view their leaders with such mistrust, this is an esssential book and a guide to how a good man can change the world without losing his goodness.

greatest goverment guy ever

loved learning about this amazing man. wow, who knew he did all these things. too bad he did not get a press agent earlier in his life! and great that he finally got one. a real inspiration to me.

Sarge is awesome

This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. I was fascinated by Sarge's life and he is the coolest Kennedy. Stossel is a great writer and he is able to make political writing fun. I recommend this book to anyone interested in politics, the Kennedies, or biographies.A really good book.