Ted Kennedy: The Dream That Never Died

by Edward Klein

Book Overview

In the most inspiring speech of his career, Ted Kennedy once vowed: "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." Unlike his martyred brothers, John and Robert, whose lives were cut off before the promise of a better future could be realized, Ted lived long enough to make many promises come true. During a career that spanned an astonishing half-century, he put his imprint on every major piece of progressive legislationfrom health care and education to civil rights. There were times during that careersuch as after the incident in Chappaquiddickwhen Ted seemed to have surrendered to his demons. But there were other timesafter one of his inspiring speeches on the floor of the Senate, for examplewhen he was compared to Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John Calhoun, and other great lawmakers of the past. Indeed, for most of his life, Ted Kennedy played a kaleidoscope of rolesfrom destructive thrill seeker to constructive lawmaker; from straying husband to devoted father and uncle. In Ted Kennedy: The Dream That Never Died, celebrated Kennedy biographer Edward Klein at last reconciles these contradictions, painting a stunningly original, up-to-the-moment portrait of Ted Kennedy and his remarkable late-in-life redemption. Drawing on a vast store of original research and unprecedented access to Ted Kennedy's political associates, friends, and family, Klein takes the reader behind the scenes to reveal many secrets. Among them: Why Caroline Kennedy, at Ted's urging, aspired to fill the New York Senate vacancy but then suddenly and unexpectedly withdrew her candidacy. How Ted ended his longest-lasting romantic relationship to marry Victoria Reggie, and the unexpected effect that union had on his personal and political redemption. What transpired between the parents of Mary Jo Kopechne and Ted Kennedy during two private meetings at Ted's home. Which feuds are likely to erupt within the Kennedy family in the wake of Ted's demise, and what will become of Ted's fortune and political legacy. Ted Kennedy: The Dream That Never Died does not shrink from portraying the erratic side of Ted Kennedy and his former wife, Joan. But both in spirit and tone, it is a compassionate celebration of a complex man who, in the winter of his life, summoned the best in himself to come to the aid of his troubled nation.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307451038
• ISBN13: 9780307451033
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Crown Archetype
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

very good book

I bought the wrong book I wanted True Compass I found out later but I'm glad I bought it I enjoyed it very much. I would recommed it to anyone who wants to learn more about the Kennedy family.

The Last Kennedy

The astonishing amount of media coverage surrounding the death of Ted Kennedy sent me to Ed Klein's recent biography of the Senator. ("Ted Kennedy: The Dream That Never Died.") I was looking for insight into this singular American life. The book puts that life into a cultural and historical perspective and offers a three-dimensional portrait of the man. Ted Kennedy, like his brothers, can be too quickly understood. It takes a skilled biographer to put the life -- so filled with well known events -- into a balanced portrait that not only explains Kennedy's great accomplishments and his terrible flaws, but also captures the often soul-rattling changes in our country from that awful day in 1963 when Ted Kennedy seemed so callow until the years when he achieved his lasting greatness in the Senate. Ed Klein, who is an acquaintance, has defined the Senator in full. David Freeman

Awesome

This book is truly wonderful. One of Ed Klein's best. It is interesting, fun, informative and a great read. Klein gives us the good, the bad and the inspiring. He gives the reader information only an insider could get. I think this is my favorite Kennedy book.

Wonderful and a great read

This is a well researched book with lots of great information. Well written and gets into the heart and soul of Ted Kennedy. It is balanced with the good and the bad that made Ted Kennedy such a complicated and interesting man.I would recommend this book to everyone.

Ted's Life

A very good book about Ted's life. I learned a lot of things I hadn't known before.. I enjoy reading about peoples lives. This life isn't over yet and I expect to hear more about this man. It amazes me what a Senator he turned out to be.........