Bobby Kennedy - by Chris Matthews (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In Chris Matthews's New York Times bestselling portrait of Robert F. Kennedy, "Readers witness the evolution of Kennedy's soul. Through tragedy after tragedy we find the man humanized" (Associated Press).

With his bestselling biography Jack Kennedy, Chris Matthews profiled of one of America's most beloved Presidents and the patriotic spirit that defined him. Now, with Bobby Kennedy, Matthews provides "insight into [Bobby's] spirit and what drove him to greatness" (New York Journal of Books) in his gripping, in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at one of the great figures of the American twentieth century.

Overlooked by his father, and overshadowed by his war-hero brother, Bobby Kennedy was a perpetual underdog. When he had the chance to become a naval officer like his older brother, Bobby turned it down, choosing instead to join the Navy as a common sailor. It was a life-changing experience that led him to connect with voters from all walks of life: young and old, Black and white, rich and poor. They were the people who turned out for him in his 1968 campaign. RFK would prove himself to be the rarest of politicians--both a pragmatist who knew how to get the job done and an unwavering idealist who could inspire millions.

Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Matthews pulls back the curtain on the private world of Robert Francis Kennedy. Matthew illuminates the important moments of his life: from his early years and his start in politics, to his crucial role as attorney general in his brother's administration and, finally, his tragic run for president. This definitive book brings Bobby Kennedy to life like never before.

Review Quotes

"A brisk, admiring portrait that burnishes the Kennedy image."

-Kirkus Reviews

"Chris Matthews evocatively brings the man and his moment back to life. It is a story that needs to be told again as a heroic counterpoint to the Trump era's fundamental disrespect for the idea that politics can be a noble profession."

-John Avlon, The Daily Beast

"Cogently illustrates leadership qualities Kennedy possessed that are sorely lacking in today's divisive culture."

-Booklist

"Considerable insight from beginning to end"

-The New Republic

"If you love reading about politics, if you ever loved the Kennedys or were fascinated by them, if you love biographical history or if you just like a good yarn about a brooding soul who turns into an uplifting, magnetic force--Chris Matthews' "Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit" Should be your next read. It's well-researched, dramatically told. It brings those times--Camelot and after--back to life."

-Lesley Stahl, Correspondent for 60 Minutes

"Matthews is skilled at weaving tension and conflict throughout the book. One doesn't just read the words, but experiences the tension and emotions....The depth of Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit provides insight into this man's spirit and what drove him to greatness. Matthews does an excellent job of pulling Bobby out from behind any family shadows to give us an in-depth portrait of what could have been."

-New York Journal of Books

"Readers witness the evolution of Kennedy's soul. Through tragedy after tragedy we find the man humanized."

-Associated Press (AP)

About the Author

Chris Matthews is the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, Kennedy & Nixon: The Rivalry that Shaped Postwar America, and Hardball: How Politics Is Played, Told by One Who Knows the Game. Matthews was a presidential speechwriter and top aide to Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr. For a generation he hosted Hardball with Chris Matthews on MSNBC, which is now exclusively on Substack.