Ted Kennedy: Scenes from an Epic Life

This is a book about a great human being who had faults like a lot of famous men -Gandhi, Jefferson and dozens of others. And Sigmund Freud said that if we get rid of the sex drive, civilization will crumble. Much of Teddy's negative side was learned behavior from observing his father, who brought his mistress to the Kennedy home to meet his wife, Rose, who graciously put up with her. Then there was Jack, the one people love to adore, who was, in the opinion of many, not as great as Teddy, but for his tragic assassination. There was also Bobby, who was more conservative, but campaigned as a liberal. So we get back to Teddy who did more for the underprivileged than anyone in American history. Others, including Dr. King wanted to do more but were cut short. Senator Kennedy was fortunately able to get an astounding amount of legislation passed, while tending to every relative's birthday, graduation, etc. After reading three books about him, I am delighted to be reading "True Compass", his own bio, and I agree with Larry King, it's awesome.

Ted Kennedy passed away today. By complete coincidence, I saw this book at my local library today and I immediately felt compelled to pick this up. I am glad that I did. "Ted Kennedy: Scenes From an Epic Life" (210 pages) brings Ted Kennedy's life mostly in pictures, and what an amazing collection of pictures this book is. The most fascinating part of the book is in the initial third or so, with pictures from his earliest years. The Kennedys being the celebrated family that they are from the beginning of the 20th century, there is a motherload of pictures from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s that are just a delight to look at. There is a commentary text to most of the chapters (which are divided into the decades). The book gives 4 pages to the 1969 Chappaquiddick disaster, making clear a lot of questions were left unanswered. Other less-favorable moments in Ted Kennedy's life (and there are many) are mentioned briefly as well. But in the end, this is just a trip back in history with lots of memorable pictures. And that is what this book is about. I may not have agreed with Ted Kennedy's political positions on many/most occasions, but I really enjoyed going through this book. RIP Ted Kennedy.

It is highly unfashionable in my hometown of Manchester, NH to express anything but bitter contempt for Teddy Kennedy. But just a few miles south of there, in the rolling hills of Massachusetts where I now make my home, people have come to different conclusions about the man. This mostly-pictorial biography of Senator Ted Kennedy by the past and present staff of the Bsotoin Globe, hits all the right notes. His boyhood with Papa Joe, the deaths of siblings and family, the tragedy of Chappaquiddick (40 years ago this weekend), his marital wobbliness, medical scares with son Pat, his run for the presidency in 1980 and his gargantuan achievements (ADA, HIPAA, COBRA, AmeriCorps) as a Massachusetts Senator for nearly 50 years. The photos capture Ted's charm and grit amidst the numerous body blows he has absorbed over the years. He has persevered through more adversity (sometimes self-inflicted) than the average hundred people and still emerged as a champion of the poor and downtrodden. The writing is honest, even if it sometimes glosses over the tough spots, like wife Joan's drinking and emotional issues. Those looking for an in-depth look at the man will have to look elsewhere. Congratulations Ted, on a marvelous life, and with God's help, a few more years to enjoy your achievements.