David Nasaw on The Patriarch

David Nasaw, the Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. Professor of History at the Graduate Center, discusses his latest book, The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy, with Gary Giddins.

Celebrated author, biographer, and historian, David Nasaw specializes in the cultural and social history of early 20th-century America. His biography of William Randolph Hearst, The Chief, won the Bancroft Prize, and his acclaimed biography of Andrew Carnegie was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize. The Patriarch brings to life the story of Joseph Patrick Kennedy, in this, the first and only biography based on unrestricted and exclusive access to the Joseph P. Kennedy papers.

Gary Giddins, executive director of the Leon Levy Center for Biography at the Graduate Center and a faculty member in American Studies, is an eminent music critic and the prize-winning author of twelve books, including biographies of Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Bing Crosby, and Visions of Jazz. His most recent book is Warning Shadows: Home Alone with Classic Cinema.

[TheLegaleagle]

i would like to thank ccny for choosing David Nasaw in their interview.  Having almost completed the book,   the patriarch nasaw has provided me with invaluable insights that have confirmed my feeling on Kennedy.. It was a great book and this interview was like icing on the cake

[fredhoupt]

I am 560 pages into the book and loving it. This was a terrific talk and shed light on the formation of the book and its contents. One very important fact that this talk did not cover is that you gain such a deep insight into the influence that the father had on the development of Jack, Bobbie and Teddy. They are so very much a product of their father and this book explores their fathers interests and loving support of their lives.

[myimorata]

Here as much for Gary Giddens as for David Nasaw. Both are my heroes.

[bawbtherevelator]

THIS INTERVIEW MADE MY YEAR AND POSSIBLY MY DECADE. I'M HOOKED. THANK YOU.

[LBF]

I read the book and found it a wonderful biography.

[Daniel]

Fantastic book. This is just icing on the cake.

[kapkopp]

His legacy and fmous reputation still alive and last long for ever!

[Davidfooterman]

Either Rose’s presence was powerful enough to prevent his diseased phenotype from infecting his children, or more likely they just didn’t spend enough time around him to get damaged; additionally, his enormous resources might simply have, vicariously, bought the necessary educational and social guidance to prevent them from falling victim to the poisonous racist effluvia with which he will forever be associated!

[MrGreglarry]

The shots could have been framed much better. Why so much importance to see the shoes and the floor in front of the table? Please.

[mrzoperxplex]

Oh boy, you get the sense that this discussion should be entitled the "Jewish Hour".

[marycahill]

His denigration of Rose Kennedy is uncalled for and just plain stupid. Rose had the organizational skills of a top corporate CEO running every aspect of her home from dinner party decorations and menus to her children's medical records and education -- she was not at all "overwhelmed" by having 9 children. She had the faith and moral fiber of a saint. She was gracious in every instance, being polite with Gloria Swanson when her husband was having an affair with her, addressing Lyndon Johnson as "Mr. President" immediately after her son had been assassinated and he called her to offer his condolences. She never complained, never spoke ill of her philandering husband, never broke down. Her children loved and admired her, and with good reason.

[qqqqish]

Hell, Just read the book's introduction.     Nasaw was given total access to the Kennedy library.   Further, he told Ted and Jean Kennedy that they will have access to the book when it is published.    The book is unvarnished.

Yeah, , , it's "FAIR AND BALANCED"    Using your FOX call words.      Did you even watch this interview?

[theironclads]

So Jean & Ted asked Nasaw to write a book about their father. We're then supposed to believe that the portrait of their father & will be objective & fair & balanced?

[mikehiggins]

To me Ted Kennedy's decision to hire this author to write his father's biography was an even worse decision than FDR's appointment of Joe Kennedy as Ambassador to Great Britain. Seems like Teddy wanted to have a Jewish author write a balanced story to prove that his father was not an anti-semite and it totally backfired. I mean, my God, to describe your subject as a "monster" and detail his physical and mental handicaps after suffering a massive stroke is next level cruel and classless.

[boymata]

The book is interesting to read. The patriach is admirable and a brilliant businessman. I wish I had his brain and energy so I can slso be a millionare. His achievement was difficult and he deserve it.

[johndavid]

Joe was right about war. It rarely if ever solves anything.