The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt (Quality Paperbacks Series)

The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt (Quality Paperbacks Series)
Average customer rating:

Fascinating Life

A Remarkable Woman

Copelling read

Completing the ER collection:

An amazing, fascinating woman writes a dull, lifeless book

The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt (Quality Paperbacks Series)
Eleanor Roosevelt
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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You Learn by Living

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My Day: The Best of Eleanor Roosevelt's Acclaimed Newspaper Columns, 1936-1962

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ASIN: 030680476X

Book Description

To tie in with the paperback publication of volume II of Blanche Wiesen Cook's acclaimed biography of Eleanor Roosevelt

"Mrs. Roosevelt's autobiography is above all the portrait of a person. The history it gives is history as she has seen it-not in the round but directly, with her clear and candid eye. Since, however, she has seen so much and from so central a point of vision, her reflections on our world and on our human prospects have more than an autobiographical interest. She is a very wise woman, and it would be correspondingly unwise not to take notice of her hopes-and fears."
-Barbara Ward

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating Life.......2006-02-17

I bought this book during a visit to Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage in Hyde Park. I had read Doris Kearn's "No Ordinary Time" years prior and it had stoked an deep interest in me for more on the Roosevelts of Hyde Park. This book is an interesting look at a woman whose transformation impacted the nation and the world. Surely, she is the most interesting and influential woman of the 20th Century.

The book covers a great many historical events as well as personal incidents in her life. The early years give us a glimpse into the thinking of an awkward and self-conscious girl. She guides us through her growing involvement in New York politics. The presidential years are interesting. But I found that reading a book ABOUT Eleanor in those years as opposed to reading her self deprecating and understated views was mor enlightening. The most captivating portions ofthis book were the post presidential years, particularly her roleas a UN Delegage and as Chairman of the Human Rights Commission. I thought the book was good, although I had to keep reminding myself that an autobiography is one person's personal story of events - not the grand history of events.

I am very glad I read her autobiography and read her own words. She is that much more a compelling woman to me. History buffs should not shy away from this book. Immensely readable, with an occasional slow spot.

A Remarkable Woman.......2005-04-21

This book sheds light a long period of American history through the narration of an amazing woman who you will grow to admire as much as I did. Born into an elite aristocratic American family, Eleanor could have remained hemmed in by the insular values with which she was raised. Women were supposed to stay out of politics, Anglo-Saxons were supposed to run the country and only mingle amongst themselves, and the poor deserved their lot.

Eleanor grew up with a lot of the prejudices someone of her class and generation might be expected to have but then she transformed into a woman who fought tirelessly against poverty, racism, sexism, and injustices of all kinds. I think that is her true legacy and what makes her so remarkable. In a society that wanted women to be purely ornamental, Eleanor could have done as so many women of her age and class did, remain prisoners to their narrow views and beliefs.

But Eleanor did more. Because she was not conventionally attractive, she was supposed to hide away from society. Because she was a woman, she wasn't supposed to get involved in political affairs. But she got involved! She told FDR what she thought about everything, urging him to pass anti-lynching legislation, include more women in his cabinet, and earning his profound respect-if not always his complience!

Sometimes she could be a bit naive, (like when, in the fifties, she told a soviet leader how much Americans had done to improve the "life of the negro", but Eleanor's empathy, compassion, humility and personal strength comes through so strongly in these profoundly human writings of hers that I really think anyone would enjoy them. What a wonderful woman!

Copelling read.......2005-03-11

While reading this book you get to share in the many personal experiences of Eleanor Roosevelt. She does not focus much on her relationships, rather she focuses on sharing her experiences. The places she has gone to and the people she has talked to are absolutley amazing. She shares her firsthand experiences of the mine workers and her talks with people in communist Russia. It is amazing that just one woman has seen and heard from so many varying perspectives. She really did try to empathize with the people and situations around her and this really comes out in her book. I think many people can learn from reading this book on how to be a better listener and observer and critical thinker of the life happening around you.

Completing the ER collection:.......2004-09-25

If you're looking for a "first" Eleanor biography, don't start with this one. Read it eventually, but not at first.

If you have read her collected writings, "No Ordinary Time" or the biography(ies) by Blanche Wiesen Cook this autobiography is a much needed voice. It may not be as engrossing or tantlizing as the others, but it offers a layered look into her history. I struggled with the Wiesen Cook books but ended up enjoying them very much and I would have to say that with out them, this autobiography would not have had such an impact. What she shares in her autobiography is enlightening at times, but what is more significant is the specifics she leaves out or vaguely refers to in the generalist of terms.

The best way to describe this book is comparing it to a long chat with a woman you've respected for a long time. You knew things about her, you heard the rumors, but now you're sitting with her, listening to her tell you how she really felt things happened.

An amazing, fascinating woman writes a dull, lifeless book.......2004-07-14

Eleanor Roosevelt's autobiography provides very little information about her life. She vaguely refers to many seemingly important events (such as the death of her father, her husband's presidency) with little emotion and no detail whatsoever. If you know a lot about her and the politics of the time already, it may offer an interesting perspective. If you want to know details of ER's incredibly interesting life, read her biography by Blanch Weisen Cook.

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The hobo Philosopher
I liked it
I love Hillary Clinton!
Love Her, or Hate Her, Its The Real Deal.
Engaging, absorbing and truthful

Living History
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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My Life
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
The Case for Hillary Clinton
My Life: The Presidential Years Vol. II (Vintage)

ASIN: 0743222253

Amazon.com

As with most books written by politicians while in office (or at least aiming for one), Living History is, first and foremost, safe. There are interesting observations and anecdotes, the writing is engaging, and there is enough inside scoop to appeal to those looking for a bit of gossip, but there are no bombshells here and it is doubtful the book will change many minds about this polarizing figure. This does not mean the work is without merit, however, for Hillary Clinton has much to say about her experience as first lady, which is the primary focus of the book. Those interested in these experiences and her commentary on them will find the book worth reading; those looking for revelations will be disappointed.

Beginning with a brief outline of her childhood, college years, introduction to politics, and her courtship with Bill Clinton, Clinton covers a wide variety of topics: life on the campaign trail, her troubled tenure as leader of the President's Task Force on National Health Care Reform, meeting with foreign leaders, and her work on human rights, to name a few. By necessity, she also addresses the various scandals that plagued the administration, from Travelgate to Whitewater to impeachment, though she does not go into great detail about each one; rather, she seems content to simply state her case and move on without trying to settle too many old scores.

Along the way, she offers many apologies, though perhaps not the kind some would expect. She does not shy away from her "vast right-wing conspiracy" comment, for instance, though she does wish that she had expressed herself differently. Regarding the Monica Lewinsky scandal, she maintains that her husband initially lied to her, as he did the rest of the country, and did not come clean until two days prior to his grand jury testimony. Calling his betrayal "the most devastating, shocking and hurtful experience of my life," she explains what the aftermath was like personally and why she has elected to stand by her man. In all, Living History is an informative book that goes a long way toward humanizing one of the most recognizable, and controversial, women of our age. Shawn Carkonen

Book Description

The Phenomenal #1 Worldwide Bestseller

WITH A NEW AFTERWORD

Hillary Rodham Clinton came of age during a time of tumultuous social and political change in America. Like many women of her generation, she grew up with choices and opportunities unknown to her mother or grandmother. She charted her own course through unexplored terrain -- responding to the changing times and her own internal compass -- and became an emblem for some and a lightning rod for others. Wife, mother, lawyer, advocate and international icon, she has lived through America's great political wars, from Watergate to Whitewater.

The only First Lady to play a major role in shaping domestic legislation, Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled tirelessly around the country to champion health care, expand economic and educational opportunity and promote the needs of children and families, and she crisscrossed the globe on behalf of women's rights, human rights and democracy. She redefined the position of First Lady and helped save the presidency from an unconstitutional, politically motivated impeachment. Intimate, powerful and inspiring, Living History captures the essence of one of the most remarkable women of our time and the challenging process by which she came to define herself and find her own voice -- as a woman and as a formidable figure in American politics.

Download Description

Hillary Rodham Clinton is known to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet few beyond her close friends and family have ever heard her account of her extraordinary journey. She writes with candor, humor and passion about her upbringing in suburban, middle-class America in the 1950s and her transformation from Goldwater Girl to student activist to controversial First Lady. Living History is her revealing memoir of life through the White House years. It is also her chronicle of living history with Bill Clinton, a thirty-year adventure in love and politics that survives personal betrayal, relentless partisan investigations and constant public scrutiny. Hillary Rodham Clinton came of age during a time of tumultuous social and political change in America. Like many women of her generation, she grew up with choices and opportunities unknown to her mother or grandmother. She charted her own course through unexplored terrain - responding to the changing times and her own internal compass - and became an emblem for some and a lightning rod for others. Wife, mother, lawyer, advocate and international icon, she has lived through America's great political wars, from Watergate to Whitewater. The only First Lady to play a major role in shaping domestic legislation, Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled tirelessly around the country to champion health care, expand economic and educational opportunity and promote the needs of children and families, and she crisscrossed the globe on behalf of women's rights, human rights and democracy. She redefined the position of First Lady and helped save the presidency from an unconstitutional, politically motivated impeachment. Intimate, powerful and inspiring, Living History captures the essence of one of the most remarkable women of our time and the challenging process by which she came to define herself and find her own voice - as a woman and as a formidable figure in American politics.

Customer Reviews:

The hobo Philosopher.......2007-09-19

I was too cheap to buy this book but I borrowed a copy from the library. Surprisingly I found that I liked Hilary more than I thought I would. Despite all the allegations about her cold, calculating and aggressive "masculine" nature, I found her to be very feminine and womanly. I enjoyed especially hearing about her Republican dad and her basically middle-class upbringing.
She is obviously concerned about women and children issues. To be truthful she sounds very "girly" to me - not the least bit "manly" - and being a man and liking the status, I don't know if this is a good thing.
She obviously had a better editor than her husband. Her book reads nicely and is of acceptable length. Bill is another story but we all know about Bill.
So would I vote for Hillary for president? Sure, girls don't scare me - and the smarter they are, the better.

I liked it.......2007-08-17

I don't know what people were expecting out of this book. She spent eight years in the spotlight, and was exonerated of all charges, so you weren't expecting any surprises were you? And it is a memoir, one that she freely admits to being her take on events. I know she can be polarizing, but she is also a good writer. There's nothing clunky about this book and it covers most everything quite well. It's good, regardless of your politics.

I love Hillary Clinton!.......2007-07-16

I read this book when it came out and I thought it was very good. She's a great author and a wonderful person. I'm sick of conservatives constantly going after her. She is a good person and you can tell in her book that she is a good wife as well. I liked reading about how she grew up the best. Yes I support Hillary Clinton and if she gets the nomination I will vote for her as well. Vote yes if you like Hillary Clinton and support her running for president!

Love Her, or Hate Her, Its The Real Deal........2007-07-09

As we move through the year 2007, the 2008 Presidential race is already in high gear, and it is very possible that we may have our first female President in Hillary Clinton.

I enjoyed this book for the way it "filled in the blanks" about her early life, but also went into great candor about her private tribulations, in a VERY public life. Her telling of the period when she learned the truth about President Clinton's affair with a certain intern, was chilling and real, and we perhaps came to respect her
decision to remain married to him. Mrs. Clinton attempted to do more with her role as First Lady than many of her more recent contemporaries, and while some find this unsetteling, hello, this is America. A women can choose her course, and the First Lady should be no different.

To me, the most telling part of the book is when she talks about the campaign trail. Yes, in our nation politics has bceome a very big game, and as she puts it, if you can't play the game, don't run.

Thankfully, Mrs. Clinton can play the game, and play it quite well!

Ken

Engaging, absorbing and truthful.......2007-07-03

As a foreigner, I found her book very interesting and informative. She is an excellent writer and the book showed her intelligence, dilligence and determination. She is on her way back to the white house.

Madame Hillary: The Dark Road to the White House

Average customer rating:

Pathetic Drivel
Amazing coincidence
Hillary-mania : A wonderful thing!
Great book about a big liar
Swing and a miss, a good article expanded to a book

Madame Hillary: The Dark Road to the White House
R. Emmett Tyrrell
Manufacturer: Regnery Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Hell to Pay: The Unfolding Story of Hillary Rodham Clinton
The Clinton Crack-Up: The Boy President's Life After the White House
The Case Against Hillary Clinton
The Final Days: The Last, Desperate Abuses of Power by the Clinton White House
Hillary's Scheme: Inside the Next Clinton's Ruthless Agenda to Take the White House

ASIN: 0895260670

Book Description

First-hand reporting and revelations of recent behind the scenes maneuverings that shows the reality between her carefully crafted image.

Customer Reviews:

Pathetic Drivel.......2007-05-31

I was hoping for some intelligent insight into Hillary Clinton when I bought this book. Clearly, much can be said on both sides of this subject. I am trying to listen carefully to both and then make up my mind about her.

This is the equivalent to a rant from a right-wing Rosie O'Donnell. Don't waste your money on this rehash of old news.

Amazing coincidence.......2007-05-17

It is quite an amazing co-incidence that at least in some ways this book presented as "fact" seems to mirror a book presented as "fiction" which is entitled The Empress Project. Both books tell of an American woman of boundless and unbridled ambition seeking ruthlessly to become president of the United States. Author Tyrrell calls Hillary "Madame Hillary", while Dr. Little, author of the other book, writes a story of political intrigue about a CHICOM plot to make an evil American woman Empress of America. Are the similarities of these two books merely coincidental ?The Empress Project

Hillary-mania : A wonderful thing!.......2005-06-30

Whatever Hillary Clinton says and does is perfectly alright with me! If Hillary says it, then it's the truth. Hillary is perfect in every way! I love Hillary so very much!

Great book about a big liar.......2005-02-06

R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr. should be given a lot of thanks for exposing the liar named Hillary Rodham.

Thank you R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr.!!!!!

Swing and a miss, a good article expanded to a book.......2004-08-19

Plainly stated, I was disappointed with this book. I am certainly part of the target audience for this book, being pretty disgusted with the Clinton duo. However, what I hoped for was a factual tome of the flaws, failings, and deceit of the junior senator from NY. What I got was a repetetive, smarmy, and poorly constructed screed against her that offered little new information and was so partisan in tone that it became untrustworthy even as a source of dirt. Authors on both sides of the political debate need to realize that too snippy a tone tends to turn off the average reader.

In more detail, the book is full of allegations of radical beliefs, wretched interpersonal skills, and bald-faced deceit but precious few illustrations of same. Don't tell me that Senator Clinton is a horrid person to work for with no sense of two-way loyalty, give me examples. Don't quote the radicals who supposedly influenced her beliefs, show me examples of her demonstrating those beliefs.

In short, while there is some interesting information in this book, it misses the mark. It could have been an exhaustive record of the senator's changing of beliefs, opportunism, and political deceit. Intead, we get an annoyingly repetetive and shrill attack without a great deal of substance. For anyone but those who simply want to nod and agree without learning anything new, this book is a wash.

Average customer rating:

Politically Correct Revisionist History
Loved it!
A perfect biography
An ideal introduction for young readers

The New Big Book Of U.S. Presidents
Todd Davis , and Marc Frey
Manufacturer: Courage Bks.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Our Country's Presidents: Completely Revised and Expanded

ASIN: 0762420294
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Book Description

Our original Big Book of U.S. Presidents has sold more than 200,000 copies! It was also a Scholastic Book Club Selection, and continues to be a perennial favorite in the $9.98 Courage Children's line. This updated edition features a revised profile of George W. Bush, plus a look ahead to our next president. In fact, it will be published less than 3 months after the 2004 election, close to inauguration, and will be one of the first books to feature a profile of the newest president. This fascinating introduction to U.S. government includes famous quotes, achievements, and a detailed timeline for quick reference to historical eras and events, plus more than 50 illustrations.

Full-color illustrations

Customer Reviews:

Politically Correct Revisionist History.......2007-01-14

This book, and it's companion, The New Big Book of America, are written from an extremely liberal and politically correct point of view. The authors bend over backwards to make the white colonists and Presidents appear as arrogant, indifferent, and overbearing in regards to everyone who is not a white male. Each President's page is around 50% about the President's actual achievements, and around 50% about the current Native American, Women's suffrage, and Civil Rights issues of the day.

These authors have an agenda, and it comes across very clear. If you want your child influenced by this politically correct revisionist history, then be sure to pick this one up.

Loved it!.......2007-01-11

This book is fantastic for students who like to have a nice overview and not be bogged down in too many details. I liked that there was a picture of each and every president (perfect for visual learners), a nice timeline throughout the book, and some other pictures of related events. I also liked how it was so up-to-date and not missing any major events in recent history. My 80+ grandmother, my 58 year old father, and I all found it very interesting. It is a book that you could pick up and learn something in just a few minutes. I bought it for my young children. I think it will be perfect for reports and helping them get a general understanding of American History and Government. I wish I would've had a book like this when I was in 4th grade learning about all the presidents for the first time.

A perfect biography.......2005-03-16

This book was great! I am a person who truly enjoyed this book. This book gives facts in an easy -to- find way. A person of any age- from a child to an adult would be able to read and enjoy this book. This book interested me to read more biographies on U.S. presidents. I, being a child when I read this, recommend it to everyone who likes non-fiction books.

An ideal introduction for young readers .......2005-03-04

President's Day is the annual holiday in which we honor all the men who have served in the highest political office our country has -- the Presidency of the United States of America. Now in a fully revised and updated edition to include George W. Bush, and with new artwork to enhance an informative text identifying each president in our country's history, young readers will encounter fun facts such as Thomas Jefferson's personal library of approximately 6,000 books was donated by him to create the Library of Congress. Ulysses S. Grant once received a speeding ticket on his horse! Rutherford B. Hayes' wife was the first "First Lady" to graduate from college. Franklin Roosevelt was the first president to appoint a woman (Frances Perkins) to serve in the cabinet. Featuring a timeline detailing the great inventions, literature, wars, and other historical contributions that shaped the lives and offices of these men, The New Big Book Of U.S. Presidents is an ideal introduction for young readers to the lives and accomplishments of these great men.

Kindred Souls: The Friendship Of Eleanor Roosevelt And David Gurewitsch

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Recommended
Lovefest
Adding to the ER mystic
Generous, enlightening & uplifting
A different look at Eleanor Roosevelt

Kindred Souls: The Friendship Of Eleanor Roosevelt And David Gurewitsch
Edna P. Gurewitsch
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Kindred Souls
Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 1: 1884-1933
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel

ASIN: 0312286988

Book Description

In a letter to David Gurewitsch, Eleanor Roosevelt's personal physician and friend during the last fifteen years of her life, Mrs. Roosevelt wrote, "Above all others, you are the one to whom my heart is tied......" This defines the intense relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and David Gurewitsch-- friends who often traveled and entertained together and eventually, after his marriage to Edna Perkel, bought and shared a town house in Manhattan.Their private friendship, a companionship they both treasured, has always intrigued historians, but not much was known about it. David kept diaries and took thousands of photographs, but he never publicly discussed their time together. Now, for the first time, his wife, Edna, has decided to reveal their story and hers after she married into their complicated relationship. Reading David's diaries and the hundreds of letters that he and Mrs. Roosevelt exchanged over the years, and then reflecting on her own life after the death of her husband, enabled Edna finally to write this story. She sheds new light on Mrs. Roosevelt's very private journey of self-discovery as she gained the confidence and knowledge to follow her own personal and political convictions: visiting Khrushchev at his home in Yalta, working on Adlai Stevenson's campaign, being charmed by the young Senator John Kennedy into giving her support for his presidential candidacy, and above all inspiring the love and respect of people all over the world for her compassion, eloquence, and devotion to humanity.Given her husband's unique role as doctor and confidant to Mrs. Roosevelt, Edna Gurewitsch draws on his insights and her own as a close friend to offer us a very human and inspiring portrait of this complex woman. Perceived as a strong and deeply caring person, which she was, Mrs. Roosevelt also struggled terribly with loneliness and jealousy and a need to transcend her sometimes overwhelming feelings of inadequacy. Her capacity for friendship was enormous, and Edna Gurewitsch describes what it was like to be on the receiving end of her exceptional thoughtfulness-- the carefully chosen gifts left on doorsteps, the generous notes, and the open conversations she welcomed with a humility that never trumpeted her own virtues or called attention to herself as one of the great minds of the twentieth century.Kindred Souls is filled with personal and unpublished letters from Mrs. Roosevelt. Sometimes chatty and fact-filled, but more often heartfelt and passionate, these letters reveal her yearnings and vulnerabilities as well as her comings and goings, her personal as well as her global concerns. And yet they are always balanced by her special dignity and probity. The book also includes thirty-two pages of never-before-seen photographs taken by David Gurewitsch. Combined with the author's own memories and observations, Kindred Souls is a unique, intimate look at three friends and their extraordinary lives.

Customer Reviews:

Recommended.......2006-07-21

I "read" this book as a book on tape. If you love Eleanor Roosevelt as most people do, you'll feel you "know" her almost as a friend after reading this book. One story in the book that stands out in my mind is this: Eleanor liked to always be 'on time' when she had an appointment or was going to a play, concert, or outing. Dr. Guerevitch and his wife were going with her to a concert onetime. They were "behind schedule" and arrived at the theater a few minutes late. As they entered the theater the audience started to applaud. Mrs. Roosevelt was "miffed" saying with some angry emotion to the Doctor and his wife, 'See, we're late...the audience is already applauding for the conductor!' Eleanor didn't realize that the audience was applauding for HER... not the conductor! This indicates to me that she was a rather "humble" person who wasn't self-centered. Whatever your political persuasion, you'd have to admit that she was a noble person who tried to "do good" in her life. Email:boland7214@aol.

Good book.

Lovefest.......2005-02-23

In 1945, David Gurewitsch became Eleanor Roosevelt's personal physician. Within two years, they became close friends, traveling companions and confidants. Edna Gurewitsch chronicles the relationship between her husband and Mrs. Roosevelt in Kindred Souls: The Devoted Friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Dr. David Gurewitsch.

Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most intelligent, gifted, powerful, energetic yet humble women of the 20th Century. But despite all these attributes, she suffered from a definite lack of confidence in her abilities. This lack of self-esteem had several roots including her miserable childhood, her insensitive husband, her domineering mother-in-law and the shabby treatment she suffered by her five self-centered, spoiled and undisciplined children. To compensate for this serious lacking, Mrs. Roosevelt surrounded herself with an orbit of friends who served as her surrogate family. Mrs. Roosevelt demanded much from her friends, but rewarded them with love, loyalty, devotion and generosity. Her list included Esther Lape, Marion Dickerman, Nancy Cook, Lorena Hickock, Joe Lash, and others. Dr. Gurewitsch was her closest friend for the last 15 years of her life. Right before her death, she wrote to him "above all others, you are the one to whom my heart is tied." Once David married the author, they became a threesome. They even shared a house together until Mrs. Roosevelt's death in 1962.

Edna Gurewitsch's book can best be described as a lovefest. Her fawning descriptions of her "perfect" husband become very nauseating very quickly. If there are any warts exposed in Kindred Souls, they belong to Mrs. Roosevelt. She could be demanding and emotionally needy at times, and often revealed a jealousy toward those she felt were usurping her attention. There were often intrigues between her children and her friends, and even among her friends, as each group vied for Mrs. Roosevelt's love in return. Her children were the worst, as they often found themselves on the outside looking in.

For a Roosevelt fan, there is not much new information to be had, except for the background of Dr. Gurewitsch (which may be interesting, but is not the reason I purchased this book). For most readers, I'd recommend skipping Kindred Souls and reading instead one of Joseph Lash's Roosevelt biographies, or better yet, Blanche Wiesen Cook's two-part biography on Mrs. Roosevelt (which I understand will eventually be six books in all).

Adding to the ER mystic.......2004-07-25

I certainly do not claim to be an expert on the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. However, I have read my fair share of books on her life and that of FDR. As a result, I thought I was aware of ER's circle of friends and the people who shared a close relationship with her. When I discovered KINDRED SOULDS - THE FRIENDSHIP OF ELEANOR ROOSEVELT AND DAVID GUREWITSCH on audiocassete at my local library it came as a welcome surprise. David Gurewitsch was a name that was new to me.

Edna P. Gurewitsch's 2002 book is a memorable history of the relationship between the author's husband, Dr. David Gurewitsch and ER. Based mainly on letters between ER and Dr. Gurewitsch and journals along with Edna's memories, the book presents a charming portrait of Mrs. Roosevelt as a pragmatic, driven, thoughtful, quirky, emotional and sometimes difficult friend. The relationship that developed first beween ER and David, who was ER's physician, and later with the addition of Edna when they married, makes for an interesting insight into the dynamics of this unique set of human relationship. Did ER really love David, a man many years her junior, and resent the intrusion of Edna? Did she finally come to accept this "other woman" in a strange threesome in order to maintain her relationship with David? These are questions that no one can answer and one that the prospective reader can ponder for themselves.

The Roosevelt children do not fair wll throughout the book, which covers the last years of Mrs. Roosevelt's life. They come across as seemingly lacking concern for their mother, going to her when they were in financial straights, especially Elliot and living lives where they believed that the society owes them a great deal because of their place in history as Roosevelts. It becomes almost trite to talk about the result of a dysfunctional family, but it's the only thing that seems to fit after listening to Edna describe ER's relationship with her children. Surprisingly, the references to FDR are few and far between. Edna speaks from the prospective of those who argue that ER took on a new persona as her own person after her husband's death and moved on with her life.

As I said, I don't claim to be an expert on ER, however, I know that she was extremely close to Joseph Lash. Then there is the rumored relationship with her one time driver, state trooper,Earl Miller, both of whom were younger than ER. There was ER's life long friendship (allegedly lesbian) with Lorena Hitchock and her interesting relationship with other women. And these are just the ones that I remember.

As a prolific letter writer ER left a great legacy in her writing. The thousands of letters addressed to "my dearest friend" with comments of "how much I love and miss you" were left behind for historians now to consider. Are we now judging her late Victorian style by 21st century standards? Were these loving comments a result of ER's loneliness and her desire to be loved in return? Only a psychologist can figure that one out.

ER clearly had a close relationsip with Edna and David. Such is evidenced by the fact that she chose to live the last years of her life with them. She traveled with them, spent weekends and evenings with them, and basically made them her family, based on Edna's account. Although Edna talks about ER's many circle of friends, how they also interacted in her life or spent time with her, I came away feeling that there was a part of ER's life that was left out in this particular picture. According to Edna, ER's life was totally encompassed in that of her and her husband to the exclusion of others.

For those who know a good deal about Eleanor Roosevelt, this is an interesting read. As I stated, I listened to it on audiocassette. The reader did a good job of varying her voice but I feel that there were several mispronunciations of proper names. The work included interesting political insights of mid 20th century politicians, especially Adlai Stevenson and JFK. But fitting the Gurewitsch's into the greater picture of ER's life is, I believe, still open for debate. In hindsight history is always reveaaed in the light most favorable to the writer, especially one who claims to have the close personal friends of a famous person. However, I would love to hear other views of the relationship between David Gurewitsch, Edna Gurewitsch and Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. I'm suspect that there is another side.

Generous, enlightening & uplifting.......2002-11-14

This is an astonishingly generous book that gives a different look at the real life of a larger-than-life woman. Mrs. Gurewitsch was (apparantly) completely unthreatened by the strong, deep, and intimate (in the non-sexual sense of the word)relationship between her husband and the redoubtable Mrs. Roosevelt. She limns the outlines of the relationship gently, with great compassion for Mrs. Roosevelt and frank admiration for her many accomplishments. Still, this is not hagiography- Mrs. Gurewitsch tells her story with simplicity and affection, but is still clear eyed about her subjects human foibles.

Through her portrait, and through the extracts of letters to David, it becomes clear that the infamous Lorena Hickok letters must be read in the context of an era (and a woman), in which language was rather more effusive.

Like so many things about Eleanor Roosevelt, the book is a bit bittersweet, but she clearly had made her peace with life, and in the end Mrs. Gurewitsch has repaid Mrs. Roosevelt's trust and friendship. The book is not a comprehensive biography, but you may inspired enough by what you read that you go read one!

A different look at Eleanor Roosevelt.......2002-05-24

I enjoyed this book. After reading so much "trash" about Mrs. Roosevelt and her friendships, this book is revealing without delving into smutty, unproveable theories. It provided a lot of personal information about Eleanor Roosevelt's last years, public and private, as well as valuable insights about her complex personality. On occasion, the author's somewhat proprietary feelings toward her connection with Mrs. Roosevelt were in evidence, but on the whole, it is a memoir that no one with an interest in Eleanor Roosevelt should miss.

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery (Newbery Honor Book)

Average customer rating:

Must read book.
A life of discovery
my review of eleanor roosevelt
A highly readable reference on a remarkable woman
Woman of the century

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery (Newbery Honor Book)
Russell Freedman
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The Wisdom Of Eleanor Roosevelt (Wisdom Library)
The Great Fire
Lincoln: A Photobiography (Houghton Mifflin social studies)
The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))

ASIN: 0899198627

Book Description

The intriguing story of Eleanor Roosevelt traces the life of the former First Lady from her early childhood through the tumultuous years in the White House to her active role in the founding of the United Nations after World War II. A Newberry Honor Book.

Customer Reviews:

Must read book........2007-08-27

I purchased this for my 10 year old daughter, hoping to get her interested in starting to read more nonfiction. She loved the book and read it all in three sittings. It must be very well written, because I saw her engrossed in it for hours at a time.

A life of discovery.......2007-07-25

This is a must have for any historian. I loved the book. I was able to use it for my recent bibliography for college. There was a lot of little tidbits that I did not see elsewhere.

my review of eleanor roosevelt.......2006-04-01

I learned that eleanor roosevelt was a very kind loving person who had a very odd child hood, she was known as the ugly duckling.Her mother did not treat her right and made eleanor afraid of everything.
Personaly, I think that this information was very helpful and would be grate to do a scool project on. this book had lots of pictures that gave wonderful information and were very deitailed, and showed me how to eleanors life was when she was a kid. I also learned that that eleanor loved her father very much, more that enything, and he loved her just as much. eleanor was an orffan at age ten because her whole family died of yellow fever. as I said before this book has a lot of amazing pictures [194]and about half of them showed eleanor and her father together.
I enjoued this book alot and I think you will to. the only thing is I would not try to read this book in one week because it is pretty long. Something I liked about this book is that it gives lots of details and is very factual. I also recomend this book if you like a traditional paper back book. I highly think this book is agreat book for a school project, like I did it on a biograghy. I hope you wil llearn as much as I did reading this amazing historical book, Eleanor roossevelt.

A highly readable reference on a remarkable woman.......2004-09-15

This Newbery Honor Book, subtitled "A Life of Discovery," covers Eleanor Roosevelt's life in 11 chapters and nearly 200 pages. The biography covers Roosevelt's childhood, education, courtship, marriage and motherhood, entrée into politics alongside her husband, and her humanitarian work independent of FDR. The text itself is straightforward and easy to read, presented in a scholarly fashion rather than the sort of fictionalized manner of some biographies. While certain events are dramatized, no dialog is invented - the words the reader encounters are those of the figures themselves, from journals, letters, and speeches. The best passages are the friendly and informative explanations offering children some background knowledge about the time, such as this account of courtship at the turn of the century, seamlessly woven into the chapter on "Cousin Franklin":

Of course, Eleanor and Franklin were never alone together. That would have been highly improper in those formal Victorian days. When Eleanor visited Hyde Park or Campobello, when she met Franklin in New York for lunch or tea, even they went riding in the Roosevelt carriage, a third person was always present. If a relative wasn't available, Eleanor's maid served as a chaperone (38).

These frequent explanations offer the reader a broader insight into time, describing the conventions of the era in order to later set Roosevelt's often unconventional views and activities in contrast. This treatment gives young readers a strong sense of why Roosevelt is worthy of special attention. The text is accompanied by more than 100 black and white photographs, both formal portraits and informal candid views of Roosevelt. Overall, the book focuses on Roosevelt's life as a public figure, though does not shy away from intensely personal matters such as her father's alcoholism, her adolescent insecurities, and even her husband's infidelity. In this way, Freedman manages to create a very intimate portrait of the woman herself and to make a larger-than-life figure, with a highly privileged background seem very real and accessible. Although Freedman's tone clearly indicates an admiration for his subject, the book does not idolize her, often drawing attention to her faults such as her lack of her tenderness as a mother when her children were very young (acknowledged by her son). The book concludes with a photo album, bibliography, and index. The book is readable from beginning to end and usable as a reference for exploration of specific events or issues from Roosevelt's life. Children will likely come to this book because of a classroom assignment, but in the process will certainly be entertained and inspired.

Woman of the century.......2004-01-31

To my mind there are two biographers that write for children and that can do no wrong. On is the ineffable J. Giblin (author of "The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler") and one is Russell Freedman. Freedman is best known for his well-rounded and intensely researched biography of Abraham Lincoln (entitled "Lincoln: A Photobiography"), winner of the Newbery award. Turning his sights to a slightly more modern personage, Freedman examines the life and times of Eleanor Roosevelt.

Every biography needs a hook. It's not enough to lay out the facts of a person's life and let them speak for themselves. Many times, a work examining a famous figure needs to go a little further. To find out what exactly made this person tick. Eleanor Roosevelt's life was not a common one, but it many ways it began ordinarily. Born to beautiful but distant parents, Eleanor struggled with her plain looks and her inordinate shyness from day one. Freedman is often in a position to demonize those people in Roosevelt's life that let her down, yet he never wishes to do so. Rather than actually say, "Eleanor's parents were negligent baboons", the author instead places the facts before the viewer. Examining them, we see that, yes, they were negligent baboons. But we have reached that conclusion on our own, without being told what to think. So goes the rest of Freedman's book. As she grows, Eleanor matures, finds strength in herself, and eventually becomes the best known (and most widely respected) first lady of the United States.

There are a few problems with the biography, though they are small. The book allows itself a small flourish occasionally. One example might be Eleanor's death scene, wherein the author supposes that the former first lady may have seen the image of her father upon dying. Also, though the sources cited are many, Freedman fails to footnote a single page in any way (a talent Giblin has always excelled in). A timeline of Eleanor's life would not have been out of place here either. Just the same, these are small potatoes.

This is a book written specifically with children or young adults in mind. As such, it is interesting and informative. Beautiful photographs accompany almost every page, and there is even a small photo album of additional shots in the back. Hearsay and conjecture about Mrs. Eleanor's private life has been ignored entirely. The book does observe FDR's romantic liaisons (some provided by his daughter, no less) but it does not dwell on them obsessively. As Eleanor forgives but does not forget his dalliances, and so too the reader comes to forgive (maybe a little less) but not forget them either. FDR is interesting, but this is a book about Eleanor Roosevelt and the life she led. Anyone wishing to teach about a popular proto-feminist would do very well to use this woman as their primary example. Freedman has treated her with the dignity she deserves. It is a noteworthy accomplishment.

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FIRST LADIES: AN INTIMATE GROUP PORTRAIT OF WHITE HOUSE WIVES

Excellent and Informative History on First Ladies

Political Partners

First rate praise for "First Ladies"

A Charming look at our First Ladies

First Ladies: An Intimate Group Portrait of White House Wives
Margaret Truman
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Political | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

America's First Families: An Inside View of 200 Years of Private Life in the White House (Lisa Drew Books)

The President's House: 1800 to the Present The Secrets and History of the World's Most Famous Home

All the Presidents' Children: Triumph and Tragedy in the Lives of America's First Families

The First Ladies Fact Book: The Stories of the Women of the White House from Martha Washington to Laura Bush

Presidential Wives: An Anecdotal History

ASIN: 044922323X
Release Date: 1996-08-27

Book Description

"Fascinating. . . . First Ladies is a wonderfully generous look at the women who, often against their wishes, took on what Truman calls 'the world's second toughest job.' "
--The Christian Science Monitor
Whether they envision their role as protector, partner, advisor, or scold, First Ladies find themselves in a job that is impossible to define, and just as difficult to perform. Now Margaret Truman, daughter of President Harry Truman and an acclaimed novelist and biographer in her own right, explores the fascinating position of First Lady throughout history and up to the present day.
With her unique perspective as the daughter of a First Lady, Ms. Truman reveals the truth behind some of the most misunderstood and forgotten First Ladies of our history, as well as the most famous and beloved. In recounting the charm and courage of Dolley Madison, the brazen ambition of Florence Harding, the calm, good sense of Grace Coolidge, the genius of Eleanor Roosevelt, the mysterious femininity of Jackie Kennedy, and the fierce protectiveness of Nancy Reagan, among others, Margaret Truman has assembled an honest yet affectionate portrait of our nation's First Ladies--one that freely acknowledges their virtues and their flaws.

Customer Reviews:

FIRST LADIES: AN INTIMATE GROUP PORTRAIT OF WHITE HOUSE WIVES.......2006-08-28

THIS WAS A VERY INTERESTING BOOK AND GAVE AN INSITE TO THE LIVES OF THE WHITE HOUSE FIRST LADIES. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

Excellent and Informative History on First Ladies.......2005-04-18

This book is a very well researched, excellently written piece of history. Highly recommended non-fiction when you're looking to learn something you didn't learn in high school.

Political Partners.......2003-11-08

From her unique perspective and personal contacts with many Twentieth Century First Ladies, Margaret Truman has told their stories in a most interesting way. The brief biographies primarily cover the years each of these Ladies resided in the White House, although their roles in getting there are not overlooked.

The concept of President and First Lady as political partners is central to the book. How and to what extent each First Lady fits into this mold is carefully examined. The influence that each First Lady has had on her husband and his administration brings some surprises.

We know of the public partners, such as Rosalynn Carter and Hillary Clinton, as well as those such as Lady Bird Johnson, who would do anything to advance Lyndon's career, and Eleanor Roosevelt, the eyes and ears of Franklin, but there were others. Who would have thought of Julia Tyler, the young second wife of John Tyler who, in her year in the White House, orchestrated a whirlwind entertainment campaign to achieve the annexation of Texas. Another second wife, Edith Wilson, virtually ran the country during her husband's two year illness after his stroke. There were those, such as Julia Grant and Helen Taft, who wanted the White House worse than their husbands.

Margaret Truman does an excellent job at categorizing the First Ladies topically. Among the tragic topics are those who may have been killed by newsprint, Rachel Jackson and Lou Hoover. Maligned First Ladies, such as Mary Lincoln, and those who lived with domineering husbands, such as Grace Coolidge, get sympathetic reviews. No sympathies are wasted on the undeserving, prominently Florence Harding.

In this book Margaret Truman gives us a splendid introduction to one of the most crucial jobs in our country. I am glad that I read it. You will be too.

First rate praise for "First Ladies".......2003-02-26

Thank you Ms. Truman for doing what our high school teachers never quite accomplished. You made the past come alive with colorful characters who changed the world. I have a new appreciation for our Presidents and their wives. You accomplished what your father wished -- you wrote the definitive book on the subject and spoke to our hearts. I would love for you to add a chapter about Laura Bush, who has been such an inspiration to us all since 9-11.

A Charming look at our First Ladies.......2001-06-06

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Margaret Truman uses her own unique perspective as the daughter of a First Lady to share a charming look at First Ladies throughout our history.

Customer Reviews:

The best way to learn the American presidents that I have seen.......2006-06-23

This book is the best and most fun ways to learn about the American Presidents that I have ever seen. For each president from Washington through Clinton, there is a brief caption regarding his life and accomplishments. There is also a drawing taken from a photo or portrait, a cartoon style drawing and associated play on words to aid in remembering the name and whom they succeeded. For example, the cartoon for Dwight Eisenhower shows the Eiffel Tower with eyes on it being held by a tree with eyes. The caption is "The tree-man is crawling up the side of a huge tower that has eyes on it. It must be the eyes-on-tower!" The cartoon for Harry Truman, who preceded Eisenhower, shows the tree-man.
One of the best books for learning history and social studies, I strongly recommend this book. If my children were of a suitable age, I would buy it for them.

Awesome.......2005-10-06

After one night, I knew all 43 presidents of the United States in order without looking. This book is AWESOME!!! :D

Memories Last.......2005-06-29

I had to memorize the presidents in the fourth grade. I'm in college now and I can still remember everything from this book. Not only does it work, but it's fun to look at the pictures and learn the presidents. People of all ages can learn from this book.

Best way to memorize the presidents.......2004-09-11

For years, I have tried to get my reluctant memory to soak up the list of US presidents -- even using goofy mnemonic pictures from GENERAL memory books.

That picture stuff doesn't work, I thought.

I was wrong. After a few days of browsing through the funny memory cartoons and doing the quizzes, I know the presidents cold. And so will you.

I got my child to read this book with me as it's not supposed to be a "grownup" way to study the US presidents. Baloney! It's a great memory book for readers of all ages.

Unbelievable!!!!!!!.......2004-04-01

I am in a presidential class at a Univeristy and I had to learn all the presidents for class. I checked out the book and read it and within about 20 minutes i could write all 43 presidents from memory. This is unreal it really works!!!!

A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation

Average customer rating:

A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation
A FASCINATING LOOK INTO THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DOLLEY MADISON
A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation
A sure fire five star read...
A Political Agenda

A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation
Catherine Allgor
Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Martha Washington An American Life LARGE PRINT
James Madison and the Creation of the American Republic (Library of American Biography Series) (3rd Edition)
First Lady of the Confederacy: Varina Davis's Civil War
Sons of Providence: The Brown Brothers, the Slave Trade, and the American Revolution
Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different

ASIN: 0805073272
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Book Description

When the roar of the Revolution had finally died down, a new generation of American politicians was summoned to the Potomac to assemble the nations newly minted capital. Into that unsteady atmosphere, which would soon enough erupt into another conflict with Britain in 1812, Dolley Madison arrived, alongside her husband, James. Within a few years, she had mastered both the social and political intricacies of the city, and by her death in 1849 was the most celebrated person in Washington. And yet, to most Americans, shes best known for saving a portrait from the burning White House, or as the namesake for a line of ice cream. Why did her contemporaries give so much adulation to a lady so little known today? In A Perfect Union, Catherine Allgor reveals that while Dolleys gender prevented her from openly playing politics, those very constraints of womanhood allowed her to construct an American democratic ruling style, and to achieve her husbands political goals. And the way that she did soby emphasizing cooperation over coercion, building bridges instead of bunkershas left us with not only an important story about our past but a model for a modern form of politics. Introducing a major new American historian, A Perfect Union is both an illuminating portrait of an unsung founder of our democracy, and a vivid account of a little-explored time in our history.

Customer Reviews:

A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation.......2007-01-20

I am very pleased with the time of delivery and the condition of the book.
Aleene Wilcox

A FASCINATING LOOK INTO THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DOLLEY MADISON.......2006-11-09

I picked up a copy of A PERFECT UNION: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation, by Catherine Allgor as research material for a novel set during the War of 1812. I had already read The Velvet Glove: A Life of Dolley Madison, by Noel Bertram Gerson, but I wanted more detail and insight regarding President and Mrs. Madison. I wasn't disappointed.

A Perfect Union is packed full of information for a novelist wanting to add verisimilitude to a story. For anyone with more than a casual interest in the War of 1812, it provides fascinating insight into behind-the-scenes Washington City and a struggling new nation. Unlike most accounts, it illuminates the war and the political scene from a feminine viewpoint.

For the most part, the facts presented by Ms. Allgor were consistent with my other sources. I noticed only a few factual glitches. I believe British atrocities were committed on the raid of Hampton village, not the battle of Craney Island a few days earlier. And I understand that the Capitol was still in two parts, separated by a wooden walkway, when the redcoats torched it.

Overall, A Perfect Union is a fascinating look into the life and times of Dolley Madison.

A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation.......2006-10-29

This is a comprehensive biography of Dolley Madison and her role in James Madison's presidency. It was all right, but far too detailed for a biography on someone who was not a substantial contributor to American History. There were endless descriptions of the type of furniture used in the rooms, etc. which got a bit tedious. It was as though someone wrote a 1000 page biography of Jacqueline Kennedy and her role in JFK's administration; this would suffer from the same problems. The book needed good editing and abridgement, in its present form it is just too detailed.

A sure fire five star read..........2006-09-14

Catherine Allgor serves up a great examination of not only Dolley Madison but a revealing picture of early politics in early America in A Perfect Union. I think she does a wonderful job in exposing how the Madison's, primarily Dolley, countered Jefferson in the way they operated in the young capitol. Allgor also gives us an entertaining glimpse into how an eighteeth century wife supported her husband, perhaps even out-shining him a bit. Allgor also shows us the private Dolley; the Dolley who managed a home but also liked to play cards and was pretty good at it. She also liked to drink....just a bit. These and other facts are great counterpoints to the public Dolley we've all learned about.

I'm always a sucker for any book that deals with this period of American history. Early conditions in this country, especially during those years immediately following the revolution, allowed for a great deal of movement, especially socially and politically. Dolley truly shined during this era and Allgor does a wonderful job in painting that picture.

As you read this book it becomes quite obvious that Allgor loves to do research. Her facts aren't in question though some other reviewers believes she goes too far. Perhaps. However, the greater value in A Perfect Union is the fact that the whole story is here

A worthwhile read for sure.

A Political Agenda.......2006-09-08

I wanted to learn more about Dolley just because she was Dolley; I have been fascinated with her since the 1950s. This book is competent but unsatisfying.
Unfortunately, the author has an axe to grind. She says that Dolley helped create the American political process by letting Federalists converse civilly with Democratic-Republicans at her parties. First, this is not a particularly novel or stunning idea. Second, Dolley isn't controversial; we don't need a biography with a thesis. I crave more information about non-political relationships: with her mother-in-law, for example; with Aaron Burr (doesn't legend say he courted her in her widowhood?). We need a family tree, at least for the Paynes, and more attention to detail. Which niece is "Annie Payne Cutts"? Dolley's age is lost sight of a couple of times, and her brother William Temple is mentioned only at his death. Wasn't Dolley related to Patrick Henry and more distantly to Angelica Van Buren, Mary Todd, and possibly Julia Tyler? Those connections I am disappointed to see ignored.
The illustrations are the main reason for keeping the book, but the photo captions could be better. In the White House photo, which one is Buchanan? which is Sally Polk? I think I know, but please tell us for sure.

Average customer rating:

Well produced, great photos, but few surprises
Simply gorgeous
Jackie; A Life in Pictures
Nothing that hasn't already been seen
Just amazing

Jackie: A Life In Pictures
Yann-Brice Dherbier , and Pierre-Henri Verlhac
Manufacturer: powerHouse Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Photojournalism | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Portraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Rich & Famous | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

John F. Kennedy, Jr.: A Life in Pictures (Kennedy Family)
John Fitzgerald Kennedy: A Life In Pictures
The Jackie Handbook
A Thousand Days of Magic: Dressing Jacqueline Kennedy for the White House
Jackie: The Clothes of Camelot

ASIN: 1576872424

Book Description

From Pierre-Henri Verlhac and Yann-Brice Dherbier, the editors of the best-selling John F. Kennedy: A Life in Pictures, comes its companion, Jackie: A Life in Pictures-a visual voyage through the life of Jackie, also known as Jackie Bouvier, Jackie Kennedy, Jackie Onassis. This iconic volume features the most exquisite photographs, many of which are previously unpublished, ever taken of America's legendary First Lady, as well as a biography, personal notes, and handwritten correspondence. A sumptuous, oversized edition, this 272-page book includes over 400 glamorous, dramatic, and intimate images taken throughout her life. Bringing us into her exclusive and privileged world, Jackie: A Life in Pictures takes us from the early days of her upper class upbringing in the 30s and 40s to her courtship and marriage to J.F.K. in 1953 and her life as a politician's wife. From the Camelot years, when Jackie charmed the world with her classic style and effortless panache, we witness the public and private moments of the famed First Family. After J.F.K.'s tragic death, we follow Jackie as she finds consolation in the arms of Aristotle Onassis, and travel with her among the jet set. And lastly, we spend time with Jackie in her final years in New York City, as a book editor, proud mother, and honorary stateswoman. The book features Jackie's handwritten documents, provided by her daughter, Caroline Bouvier Kennedy, and photographs by Magnum photographers Cornell Capa, Raymond Depardon, Eve Arnold, Erich Hartmann, and Philip Jones Griffith; famed paparazzo and Jackie follower Ron Galella; J.F.K. White House photographers Abbie Rowe, Robert Knudsen, and Cecil Stoughton; and Mark Shaw, Stan Kislowski, and Toni Frissell; as well as Miss Porter's School class portraits. The ultimate volume for Jackie's admirers, Jackie: A Life in Pictures offers a rare opportunity to observe the complex and fascinating woman as her life unfolded before the world's eyes.

Customer Reviews:

Well produced, great photos, but few surprises.......2007-02-25

I agree with the reviewer below whose expectations were raised by the excellent "John Fitzgerald Kennedy: A Life In Pictures," then somewhat disappointed by this book. It's well done but really doesn't evoke the era or the excitement of its subject beyond the level of a Biography Channel documentary. The photos are great but not especially arresting or telling. You actually get more of a feeling for JBK and the period from the book on her husband, which I strongly recommend. It should be noted that the JFK book was produced by Phaidon and this by another company, despite the title and dustjacket design similarities.

Simply gorgeous.......2007-01-31

This book is sumptuous. The paper quality, the binding, the little touches that show it's a quality keepsake, not just another book thrown together to cash in on the Kennedys. I agree with previous reviewers who commented that many of the pix have appeared elsewhere. There are a few new shots and I would have enjoyed seeing more of them. That's why I subtracted a star. But still, I'm enjoying this book and recommend it.

Jackie; A Life in Pictures.......2006-02-22

A beautiful hardcover book with beautiful photos, which nicely compliments, 'John Fitzgerald Kennedy: A Life in Pictures.'

Nothing that hasn't already been seen.......2005-10-14

I'm a big fan of any book on the Kennedy's but I found this book to be a let down. Other than a handful of photos of her as a child, there's nothing in this book that hasn't already been published. The only good thing about it is that all of the photos are in one book. I really liked JFK: A life in pictures, which is wonderful but I was disappointed by this book.

Just amazing.......2004-11-16

This is clearly the best photo book to ever be published about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, no other book so far, offers such an amazing collection of not so seen photographs of the former First Lady, later Mrs. Onassis and Jacqueline as a private person.I just love it, definitely worth buying.

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