The Kennedys Amidst the Gathering Storm: A Thousand Days in London, 1938-1940

by Will Swift

In The Kennedys Amidst the Gathering Storm , Will Swift presents a fresh, empathetic interpre­tation of the ambassadorship of Joseph Kennedy and explores the intricate, often shifting relation­ships among Kennedy, Chamberlain, Churchill, and, of course, Roosevelt. Arriving in London in early 1938, the Irish-Catholic Kennedys were welcomed by politicians, aristocrats, and intellectuals, all eager to court America. They finally appeared to have overcome their lifelong status as outsiders. From 1938 to 1940, the Kennedys crystallized their identity as protagonists on the world stage, making public the competitive and clannish intrafamily dynamics that would fuel their mythic rise to power. They all learned from their father's successes—and failures. The older children—Joe Jr., Jack, and Kathleen—took an active part in England's glittering, "last fling before the bombs fall" society, but all nine children charmed, their every move chronicled by the British and American media. John F. Kennedy's path to the White House began in London. As his father's political fortunes dimmed, Jack published a best-selling book and his star rose. Drawing on recently released Kennedy family archives, Joseph P. Kennedy's private papers, and using rare photographs of English society and the photogenic Kennedy clan, Dr. Swift, with penetrating psychological insight, brings to life this fascinating family during a dramatic one thousand day period.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Politics, Biography Memoir, World War II, Historical

400 pages, Hardcover

First published April 29, 2008

Reviews

[Caleb J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sub text of this book could be called ' The period of America's reluctance to enter WWII'. I found this aspect of this book to be as interesting as the title character. The politics leading up to just before we committed to the alliance against Hitler. Popular U.S. sentiment kept us on the sidelines far longer than England wanted. I found this to be very interesting relative to the numerous subsequent wars in the 70 years that followed wherein our reluctance was so easily discarded but with much less clear purpose and justification for entry. Wars which ended with a less clearer result. I.e. Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and more smaller skirmishes. Over all a worthwhile read on a unique time in the development of the Kennedys through their patriarch Joe P. and their family time in England while Ambassador from 1938-40.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent read; I have always been intrigued with the Kennedy family and the book covers one of my favorite periods in modern history. Due to opening more of the Kennedy archives for inspection there are now many new insights into the Kennedy family. I strongly recommend this book to all

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The focus of this book is on Joe Kennedy, specifically on the years from 1938-1940 when he was serving as ambassador to England. I've read books about the Kennedys before, so I knew that Joe was not always an admirable person. He had plenty of faults, and his own agenda, all of which is fairly clear in this book. There is quite a bit of material about his family, particularly Joe Jr. and Jack. At times, I felt like Swift was glossing over some of Joe's faults, particularly his anti-Semitism, but for the most part I found the book informative and worth reading.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fitzgerald (F. Scott that is not JFK’s grandfather, Honey Fitz) got it right when he wrote, "Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.” This family bio drove that point home to me.

In the 50s/60s I was in the crowd that idolized JFK and his kin. But as the gold plating wore off that particular golden age, I began to cool toward the Kennedy clan. Reading this book helped me to realize why.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely interesting account of Joe Kennedy Sr.'s tenure as Ambassador to the Court of St. James's. The press went wild for the large family, especially the nine children Kennedy set loose to conquer British society, and conquer it they did. The book explores the relationships between the elder Kennedy and FDR, as well as his relationship with Neville Chamberlain.

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kennedys- Amidst the Gathering Storm- A Thousand Days in London 1938-1940
By Will Swift.

Every now and then you come upon information that changes an opinion fostered in you by the immediate world in which you live. This book is one of those now and then moments.

The public knowledge had always been the paterfamilias of the Kennedys was a devious and somehow unworthy man. This biography of Joseph Kennedy’s years as ambassador to England before World War 2 challenges that judgment.

I came away from this book not agreeing, but not disagreeing, either, with his isolationist views, but beginning to admire the courage and the forthrightness of the man, himself. I recommend this book, highly.

[Herb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting and well-researched book. Joseph P. Kennedy doesn't come off as a total irritant, but there are times during his tenure as United States Ambassador to Great Britain, that he is perceived that way on both sides of the Atlantic. Also interesting is the Kennedy family life during this time, with all nine Kennedy children running all over England and Europe, seeking adventures, and Rose Kennedy enjoying her new status as social doyenne of the American contingent. All told, a pretty good read.

[Larry Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different Perspective

The book presented an entirely different side of Joe Sr. than I have read before, more compassionate than most prior volumes I have read but yet still presented his faults along with his strengths. The book stresses his isolationism but what father with that many children wouldn't err on the side of caution.

[Kenneth]

Portrayal of how an ambassador attempts to form policy during the two years prior to WWII. Also provides a glimpse into the social and political life in England during this period.

[Michael]

I searched for this book for months, before I found a copy on Amazon...I hope it answers my question that Presidential Courage by Michael Beschloss opened.