America's Reluctant Prince - by Steven M Gillon (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

*A New York Times Bestseller*

A major new biography of John F. Kennedy Jr. from a leading historian who was also a close friend, America's Reluctant Prince is a deeply researched, personal, surprising, and revealing portrait of the Kennedy heir the world lost too soon.

Through the lens of their decades-long friendship and including exclusive interviews and details from previously classified documents, noted historian and New York Times bestselling author Steven M. Gillon examines John F. Kennedy Jr.'s life and legacy from before his birth to the day he died. Gillon covers the highs, the lows, and the surprising incidents, viewpoints, and relationships that John never discussed publicly, revealing the full story behind JFK Jr.'s complicated and rich life. In the end, Gillon proves that John's life was far more than another tragedy--rather, it's the true key to understanding both the Kennedy legacy and how America's first family continues to shape the world we live in today.

Review Quotes

"[Gillon] reveals a JFK Jr. more complex, more introspective, and more human than the world ever knew."--People

"A brisk and engaging read . . . A fond and admiring adieu to a friend."--The Boston Globe

"This deeply researched biography from the History Channel scholar in residence flows like a novel. . . . Readers fascinated by the Kennedys will be delighted by this captivating biography."--Library Journal (starred review)

"I read this one for work and didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. . . . It provided a lot of insight into the dawn of celebrity culture and the rise of People magazine."--Jezebel

About the Author

Steven M. Gillon is the scholar in residence at the History Channel and a professor of history at the University of Oklahoma. He is one of the nation's leading experts on modern American history and politics, and his articles have appeared in academic journals and such newspapers as the Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, and The Boston Globe. He is a frequent contributor to HuffPost and has made appearances on NBC's Today show, ABC's Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News as a commentator and expert on issues related to modern American history. He has written or edited nearly a dozen books, including the New York Times bestsellers America's Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr. and The Pact: Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the Rivalry That Defined a Generation.