Grace and Power : The Private World of the Kennedy White House
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Overview
In GRACE & POWER: THE PRIVATE WORLD OF THE KENNEDY WHITE HOUSE, New York Times bestselling author Sally Bedell Smith takes us inside the Kennedy White House with unparalleled access and insight. Having interviewed scores of Kennedy intimates, including many who have never spoken before, and drawing on letters and personal papers made available for the first time, Smith paints a richly detailed picture of the personal relationships behind the high purpose and poiltical drama of the twentieth century's most storied presidency.
At the dawn of the 1960s, a forty-three-year-old president and his thirty-one-year-old first lady – the youngest couple ever to occupy the White House – captivated the world with their easy elegance and their cool conviction that anything was possible. Jack and Jackie Kennedy gathered around them an intensely loyal and brillant coterie of intellectuals, journalists, diplomats, international jet-setters and artists. Perhaps as never before, Washington was sharply divided between the “ins” and the “outs.”
In his public life, JFK created a New Frontier, stared down the Soviets, and devoted himself to his wife and children. As first lady, Jackie mesmerized foreign leaders and the American people with her style and sophistication, creating a White House renowned for its beauty and culture. Smith brilliantly recreates the glamorous pageant of the Kennedy years, as well as the daily texture of the Kennedys’ marriage, friendships, political associations, and, in Jack’s case, multiple love affairs.
Smith’s striking revelations include new information about what drew Jack to his numerous mistresses – and what effects the relationships ultimately had on the women; about the rivalries and resentments among Kennedy’s advisers; and about the poignant days before and after Kennedy’s assassination.
Smith has fashioned a vivid and nuanced portrait not only of two extraordinary individuals but of a new age that sprang to life around them. Shimmering with intelligence and detail, GRACE AND POWER is history at its finest.
At the dawn of the 1960s, a forty-three-year-old president and his thirty-one-year-old first lady – the youngest couple ever to occupy the White House – captivated the world with their easy elegance and their cool conviction that anything was possible. Jack and Jackie Kennedy gathered around them an intensely loyal and brillant coterie of intellectuals, journalists, diplomats, international jet-setters and artists. Perhaps as never before, Washington was sharply divided between the “ins” and the “outs.”
In his public life, JFK created a New Frontier, stared down the Soviets, and devoted himself to his wife and children. As first lady, Jackie mesmerized foreign leaders and the American people with her style and sophistication, creating a White House renowned for its beauty and culture. Smith brilliantly recreates the glamorous pageant of the Kennedy years, as well as the daily texture of the Kennedys’ marriage, friendships, political associations, and, in Jack’s case, multiple love affairs.
Smith’s striking revelations include new information about what drew Jack to his numerous mistresses – and what effects the relationships ultimately had on the women; about the rivalries and resentments among Kennedy’s advisers; and about the poignant days before and after Kennedy’s assassination.
Smith has fashioned a vivid and nuanced portrait not only of two extraordinary individuals but of a new age that sprang to life around them. Shimmering with intelligence and detail, GRACE AND POWER is history at its finest.
Reviews (11)
Good Info
Written by Anonymous from Henderson, NV on November 21st, 2008
- Book Rating: 3/5
This book is fine. It shows more of Jackies' side than Jack's and therefore provides some good information concerning the Kennedy's.
Boring
Written by Anonymous on October 7th, 2007
- Book Rating: 2/5
Too boring. Had to stop it after 30 minutes to prevent falling sleep while driving. Not easy to follow.
grace and power
Written by center 50 on May 24th, 2007
- Book Rating: 2/5
Nothing new. If you enjoy hearing about the Kennedys, then it will suffice. Pretty routine stuff.
Grace and Power : The Private World of the Kennedy White House
Written by Michael Scott from Santa Cruz, CA on May 7th, 2007
- Book Rating: 3/5
I felt the book was a little too lean on Kennedy's policies / politics, and a little too heavy on mundane issues like Jackies wardrobe, and decorating the White House. There was some discussions on personal issues / relationships, but I wish there were more. I was also disappointed that the book didn't go into any details about the aftermath of the assassination. Overall, though it's probably a good 1st book on the Kennedy story, it lacked all of what I was really looking forward to.
Interesting
Written by Anonymous on January 1st, 2007
- Book Rating: 4/5
Very interesting with a good mix of the political and personal backgrounds without going too deeply into either. I would recommend this as a great read for anyone who is enjoys Kennedy related history.
Grace and Power: The Private World of the Kennedy White Housee
Written by David Gardner on February 7th, 2006
- Book Rating: 4/5
This book held my interest throughout. I read about the details of the complex relationships that Jack and Jackie had with the power brokers in Washington D.C. The stories in this book reveal a side of the former president and first lady that is rarely seen. It is a side known only to a very few people. It is interesting to look at major historical events of the Kennedy presidency through the eyes of those in his "inner sanctum." A very good read for Kennedy buffs.
Grace and Power: The Private World of the Kennedy
Written by Anonymous on July 19th, 2005
- Book Rating: 4/5
Having been too young to actually remember the Kennedy administration, this was a great way to get a feel for those times.
Grace and Power
Written by Anonymous on July 8th, 2005
- Book Rating: 3/5
this was exactly as expected. It was more politics than personal history, and i found myself looking forward to kennedy getting shot... which is a little disturbing.
Grace and Power
Written by Anonymous from Novato, CA on April 29th, 2005
- Book Rating: 2/5
A little slow and I wasn't anxious to finish it - but interesting
Grace and Power
Written by Victoria McGlynn on January 26th, 2005
- Book Rating: 5/5
One of the best books that I have read on the Kennedys although it is very slanted towards Jackie and her courage as a part of the Kennedy family. Incredible insight on Jack, his strengths and weaknesses.