The Imperial Rockefeller

by Joseph E. Persico

The former Rockefeller aide and speech writer recreates the life and several careers of the man whose resources, long public service, charm, and political power and energy never won him the one office he desired, the presidency

Genres: Biography, History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Joseph E. Persico was the author of Roosevelt’s Secret War: FDR and World War II Espionage; Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour: Armistice Day, 1918–World War I and Its Violent Climax; Piercing the Reich; and Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial, which was made into a television docudrama. He also collaborated with Colin Powell on his autobiography, My American Journey. He lives in Guilderland, New York.

Reviews

[Ross Lenhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Persico was a former speech writer and political advisor to Nelson Rockefeller. The Imperial Rockefeller therefore provides an insider's view of the man and what motivated him. Rockefeller had his hand in a multitude of different aspects the American scene, as did his family. He had a zest for life and an extreme desire to govern and make a difference. It all ended tragically and far too early. A good read.

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd previously read a 'biography' of the Rockefeller family, but never a book concentrated on Nelson Rockefeller, long-serving governor of New York and, briefly, vice-president of the United States. Of the family, of course, he was most prominently in the news until leaving Washington in 1976. I, however, having not paid much attention, thought of him as the 'liberal' Republican alternative to such as Goldwater, Nixon and Reagan. On social policies I was on the right track. As regards foreign policy, however, I hadn't realized what a hawk he was, having even supported Nixon's attacks across the Cambodian border.