Last Lion: The Fall and Rise of Ted Kennedy

The abridged audio version of this biography (of which this is a review) comes to about 7 hrs of listening. It is an even-handed, non-partisan account of U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy's life, one that presents him in full recognition of his major accomplishments along with his transgressions. The person portrayed in this account is complex and multifaceted -- a man for whom the legacy of his famous brothers was both inspirational and confining; a man of great vision, but with character flaws that he struggled a lifetime to overcome.

Ultimately, as this account makes clear, "Ted" Kennedy emerged as the most hard- working US senator of his day, second only to Lyndon Johnson as one of the most effective US legislators of the 20th century. Of show more particular note in this age of hyper-partisan deadlock in the US Congress was his ability to work with members of the opposition party, including Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, with whom he established a close professional relationship and friendship. A small historical irony is that Ted's accomplishments and commitments to such liberal causes as equal rights and justice far outshone those of his older brothers (none of whom lived long enough to fulfill their potential). Arguably, the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy made it possible for Ted to become the major political figure that he was. Edward Kennedy did more than live up to his brothers' legacy -- he invented it! After all, when it came to social issues, JFK arguably was an enlightened conservative (by the standards of the late 1960s through 1970s), a person who was far outshone in accomplishments and abilities by his successor, Lyndon Johnson. Likewise, RFK only discovered a deep passion for social causes during his run for the presidency in 1968, the year of his death. In contrast, as this biography makes clear, Edward Kennedy's passion for social justice was a major motivating factor throughout his career.

One aspect that any portrayal of Edward Kennedy must deal with is his personal failings and character flaws, as evidenced in his private life -- the drinking, the womanizing, the irresponsible behavior, and of course the 1969 "Chappaquiddick" accident. This biography neither excuses nor dwells on these matters; ultimately they are seen as aspects that Ted overcame, albeit late in life. However, one historical note is worth mentioning. During the hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court, Ted Kennedy's effectiveness at challenging Thomas' credibility and integrity was hampered by his own past failings. As a sad result, for over four decades, this incompetent ideologue has sat on the Supreme Court, imposing a radical rightwing agenda that seeks to counter the advances in social justice and civil rights made since the 1960s by Kennedy and his colleagues and successors.

This biography, even in abridged form, provides an excellent introduction to the life and times of Edward Kennedy, one of the truly great US political figures of the 20th century. show less

Very close to a hagiography, this book was written or compiled by several Boston Globe journalists. There’s plenty of information presented about Ted and the family. However, the writing is choppy and repetitive, and the reverence felt toward Teddy by the authors is obvious. The first two hundred or so pages went quickly, but the last half of the book became tiresome at best.
Kennedy was an effective senator for Massachusetts and a man who genuinely cared about people. But he didn’t accomplish his senatorial goals without a lot more hard politics than is reflected here.

This biography, compiled from the work of a number of Boston Globe writers, gave me a lot of information about the late Ted Kennedy, explaining, for example, his effectiveness as a legislator. Although it deals straightforwardly with the Chappaquiddick incident, it leaves questions hanging, and does so again in its quick explanation of his divorce from Joan and the annulment of their marriage. By implication, she had no issues with the divorce but that is not how I remember her reaction at the time.

I am not generally a non-fiction reader in general, or biographies either. But after Ted Kennedy passed away earlier this year, I put this on hold at the library. I have to say whether you loved him or hated him, that man led an almost unbelievable life. So many horrible tragedies, so many enormous triumphs. This country was truly changed by his work. I am inspired by the fact that he was constantly taught that "to whom much is given, much is expected." And he did work his whole life for those that were less fortunate - elderly, disabled, African-American, low income, the list goes on.

written by a team from the Boston Globe this is basically a love-fest for Ted and the Kennedy's and since I am a life-long fan of the family, I enjoyed it.

A well-written biography about a great senator. Very informative. I enjoyed reading this book.