Robert Kennedy and His Times

The Pulitzer Prize–winning historian chronicles the short life of the Kennedy family’s second presidential hopeful.

Schlesinger’s account vividly recalls the forces that shaped Robert Kennedy, from his position as the third son of a powerful Irish Catholic political clan to his concern for issues of social justice in the turbulent 1960s. Robert Kennedy and His Times is “a picture of a deeply compassionate man hiding his vulnerability, drawn to the underdogs and the unfortunates in society by his life experiences and sufferings” (Los Angeles Times). This fortieth anniversary edition contains not only Schlesinger’s illuminating and inspiring portrait of Robert Kennedy, but a new introduction by Michael Beschloss, in which the acclaimed bestselling author and historian discusses the book’s initial reception, Schlesinger’s thoughts on it, and expounds on why Robert Kennedy is still such an important figure today.

“Exceptionally important, one of a handful of books that anyone who cares for the politics of the ’60s must read.” —Newsweek

“An absorbing and vividly written study of a gallant and tragic man.” —The Boston Globe 

“A story that leaves the reader aching for what cannot be recaptured.” —Miami Herald
“An inspiring account of what it was like to be at Robert Kennedy’s side and why he and many like him felt that vision and virtue walked with them.”—Business Week