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Journals, 1952-2000
A two-volume publication of the distinguished political historian's journals serves as an intimate history of post-war America, the writer's contributions to multiple presidential administrations, and his relationships with numerous cultural and intellectual figures throughout the past half century. 100,000 first printing.
783 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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435 people want to read
About the author
Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
667Ìýbooks208ÌýfollowersArthur Meier Schlesinger Jr., born Arthur Bancroft Schlesinger, was a Pulitzer Prize recipient and American historian and social critic whose work explored the liberalism of American political leaders including Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy. He served as special assistant and "court historian" to President Kennedy from 1961 to 1963. He wrote a detailed account of the Kennedy Administration, from the transition period to the president's state funeral, titled A Thousand Days. In 1968, he actively supported the presidential campaign of Senator Robert F. Kennedy until Kennedy's assassination in the Ambassador Hotel on June 5, 1968, and wrote the biography Robert Kennedy and His Times several years later.
He popularized the term "imperial presidency" during the Nixon administration by writing the book The Imperial Presidency.
His father was also a well-known historian.
He popularized the term "imperial presidency" during the Nixon administration by writing the book The Imperial Presidency.
His father was also a well-known historian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 10, 2015
Man, I cannot remember the last time I digested a non-fictional work with such gusto. Schlesinger's journals are an intellectual adventurer's romp through the latter half of the twentieth century. Almost everything of political significance is recorded here, most from a comfortable distance, some right in the thick of it. Schlesinger's position at the crossroads between politics, academia, and high society allows the reader to see many big social figures in an intimate and personal light (Norman Mailer, Lauren Bacall, Jackie Onassis, etc.).But it also has it's endearing and amusing moments as well: Schlesinger's ruminations on being a father 50+ years old; becoming backyard neighbors with Richard Nixon, whom Schlesinger despised; and his four decade relationship with the Kennedy family. And it is all told in a very erudite, yet personal manner (side note: you might want to look up the word priapic before you start reading the entries in the early 1990's). But there is one thing that sets this work above many other autobiographical works: Since most are written at the end of one's life, a sense of nostalgia or disillusionment distort some of the true story behind certain tales. But since this is a collection of journals that were written at the time those events happened, they are completely free of that form of bias. Not only that, but as one progresses through the years, one can see Schlesinger's personal growth too. For example, Schlesinger's opinion of JFK is quite cool during the late 1950's, but turns into respect during his time in the JFK administration and then outright affection for him and his family after his assassination. It is this kind of "over-the-shoulder" view that makes this great with hardly a dull moment throughout its 850+ pages. While not everyone will choose to pick up "Journals, 1952-2000," everyone should.
May 1, 2008
An exceptional look into the life of one of America's great poltical insiders. Exquisitely written aand a fantastic story
January 10, 2018
Schlesinger’s 48 years of journal entries is in a league of its own for several reasons. First, he’s a bona fide writer(13 books) and a witty one at that. Second, the 858 pages bound for public consumption were culled from more than 6,000 original pages and represent the cream of the crop. Then, despite his prolific writing, Schlesinger still managed to socialize with, and befriend, hundreds of notable figures during his career as a writer, historian, political advisor and professor. For anyone interested in modern American political history, or just seeking reassurance that no President is singlehandedly capable of destroying our country.
April 30, 2012
Arthur M Schlesinger Jr was a part of American history during the 2d half of the 20th century. Aware that he was part of significant events, he recorded the history he was part of, beginning with the first presidential bid of Adlai Stevenson. This is a political journal rather than a personal one. Occasional noteworthy family items make their way into these pages, but it's not about himself. His journal is about those he knew in government and public life. And it's about what they think, not what he thought.
By recording in some detail the activities and revealed thinking of those figures he came into contact with, he provides a narrative of many sides of domestic and foreign policy. He was aware that there are many currents within government and didn't expect to swim in policy thinking after the Kennedy years. He was a speechwriter for the president and remained close to the family after the assassinations of JFK and Robert. What he has to say about the Kennedys through the years is fascinating reading, all of it positive because he truly admired them. There's not even a hint of the sexual irregularities said to have been common with John. Either Schlesinger didn't know or he chose to keep it to himself. He knew Marilyn Monroe and wrote a moving entry at the time of her death. A logical time for revelations, had he been aware of her importance to JFK, the entry's genuine sadness convinces that he knew nothing. Even when he writes of show business acquaintances, even when Norman Mailer swaggers through several entries, there's little gossip here. Certainly when considering public servants, of both parties, Schlesinger was more likely to report on an individual's sense of duty and honest answering of the call to serve the country. He sees that demonstrated by most of the political figures through the years. He's generous with his praise. Those he disliked often received disdain dripping like venom--LBJ, Nixon. He disliked Carter so much he refused to vote in the 1976 presidential election.
He didn't always have the details of some grand events. An insider of the Kennedy White House, he knew very little about the Cuban missile crisis, for instance. On the other hand, some prominent people talked openly to him and he dutifully recorded their ideas. Such reporting of conversations with Kissinger, a close friend, sheds light on thinking about Vietnam and the opening of China. And the personality of Richard Nixon. He knew very little about the military affairs of those years, particularly Vietnam. So, guided only by his own historian's intuition and the conversation of knowledgeable acquaintances, he has little to say. He knew, though, that a government of the people is made up of people and the parade of politicians and notables who directed America troop noisily through his entries. As they move through public life they create eddies and history. Schlesinger records it all, from Stevenson's first defeat to the final days of Clinton's administration.
By recording in some detail the activities and revealed thinking of those figures he came into contact with, he provides a narrative of many sides of domestic and foreign policy. He was aware that there are many currents within government and didn't expect to swim in policy thinking after the Kennedy years. He was a speechwriter for the president and remained close to the family after the assassinations of JFK and Robert. What he has to say about the Kennedys through the years is fascinating reading, all of it positive because he truly admired them. There's not even a hint of the sexual irregularities said to have been common with John. Either Schlesinger didn't know or he chose to keep it to himself. He knew Marilyn Monroe and wrote a moving entry at the time of her death. A logical time for revelations, had he been aware of her importance to JFK, the entry's genuine sadness convinces that he knew nothing. Even when he writes of show business acquaintances, even when Norman Mailer swaggers through several entries, there's little gossip here. Certainly when considering public servants, of both parties, Schlesinger was more likely to report on an individual's sense of duty and honest answering of the call to serve the country. He sees that demonstrated by most of the political figures through the years. He's generous with his praise. Those he disliked often received disdain dripping like venom--LBJ, Nixon. He disliked Carter so much he refused to vote in the 1976 presidential election.
He didn't always have the details of some grand events. An insider of the Kennedy White House, he knew very little about the Cuban missile crisis, for instance. On the other hand, some prominent people talked openly to him and he dutifully recorded their ideas. Such reporting of conversations with Kissinger, a close friend, sheds light on thinking about Vietnam and the opening of China. And the personality of Richard Nixon. He knew very little about the military affairs of those years, particularly Vietnam. So, guided only by his own historian's intuition and the conversation of knowledgeable acquaintances, he has little to say. He knew, though, that a government of the people is made up of people and the parade of politicians and notables who directed America troop noisily through his entries. As they move through public life they create eddies and history. Schlesinger records it all, from Stevenson's first defeat to the final days of Clinton's administration.
August 8, 2020
One of my best friends and I have an annual tradition. Each year around Christmas we send the other a book. We’ve been doing this for twenty years and we look forward to it every December. As history buffs and political junkies, our selections are always non-fiction and are firmly set in our interests. Back in 2009, in a break with tradition and reflecting my friend’s inability to find time to shop, he sent me a Barnes & Noble gift card. The gift card was accompanied by a recommendation: “Buy whatever you’d like with this card. I personally recommend purchasing Arthur Schlesinger’s Journals.�
So, in March 2010, I took his advice. And there ‘Journals� sat on my shelf � in three different homes � for the next ten years. It was one of those books filed in my ever-growing ‘I-will-read-it-someday� category. Well, someday arrived this May.
On a whim, I picked it up and by the fifth page I was hooked. ‘Journals� was my big summer read of 2020. It transported me to a different time and different world. It was escapist and revelatory. Often enlightening. Sometimes gossipy and catty. Always compelling.
Almost every page held a revelation. On one page you are in the Oval Office with JFK going over a speech draft. Go to the next page and you are fly on the wall at Lauren Bacall’s dinner party. All the Kennedys. Every major Democrat of the second half of the 20th Century. Many Republicans. Every president since Truman. Literary giants. Actors and actresses. There are cameo appearances on almost every page.
‘Journals� stands in stark contrast to memoirs. By their nature, memoirs are designed to paint the subject in the best possible light and, whenever possible, settle old scores. Memoirs can be absorbing but they are often sanitized, presenting the picture the writer wants you see. In contrast, diaries and journals capture a writer’s thoughts in the moment, usually when such observations are at their most candid.
The Boston Globe’s review put it best:
“Schlesinger’s sometimes stirring, occasionally sad, and often sardonic jottings form a labor-intensive public works project for his fellow historians and biographers. They must now revise and extend the biographies of ten presidents, plus sundry other pols, literary lights, and the dramatis personae of 'People' magazine. For those who wish to understand the politics of those five decades, Journals is essential� [Readers] will likely murmur ‘wow!� at every page of Journals.�
The Globe had it right. 'Journals' was that and, in many ways, more. I give it my highest recommendation.
So, in March 2010, I took his advice. And there ‘Journals� sat on my shelf � in three different homes � for the next ten years. It was one of those books filed in my ever-growing ‘I-will-read-it-someday� category. Well, someday arrived this May.
On a whim, I picked it up and by the fifth page I was hooked. ‘Journals� was my big summer read of 2020. It transported me to a different time and different world. It was escapist and revelatory. Often enlightening. Sometimes gossipy and catty. Always compelling.
Almost every page held a revelation. On one page you are in the Oval Office with JFK going over a speech draft. Go to the next page and you are fly on the wall at Lauren Bacall’s dinner party. All the Kennedys. Every major Democrat of the second half of the 20th Century. Many Republicans. Every president since Truman. Literary giants. Actors and actresses. There are cameo appearances on almost every page.
‘Journals� stands in stark contrast to memoirs. By their nature, memoirs are designed to paint the subject in the best possible light and, whenever possible, settle old scores. Memoirs can be absorbing but they are often sanitized, presenting the picture the writer wants you see. In contrast, diaries and journals capture a writer’s thoughts in the moment, usually when such observations are at their most candid.
The Boston Globe’s review put it best:
“Schlesinger’s sometimes stirring, occasionally sad, and often sardonic jottings form a labor-intensive public works project for his fellow historians and biographers. They must now revise and extend the biographies of ten presidents, plus sundry other pols, literary lights, and the dramatis personae of 'People' magazine. For those who wish to understand the politics of those five decades, Journals is essential� [Readers] will likely murmur ‘wow!� at every page of Journals.�
The Globe had it right. 'Journals' was that and, in many ways, more. I give it my highest recommendation.
January 27, 2012
Wow. Most fulfilling and entertaining non fiction book I've ever read, written with great candor and eloquence. The insights into the private lives of so many of the 20th century's biggest names were truly fascinating. I'll probably pick this one up again from time to time, perhaps not to read all the way through, but to open onto any page and discover a gem of an anecdote I might have forgotten.
Another thing I would be remiss to not point out: I'm a college student, and this book has very much invigorated my desire to enter academia and/or public service, which I had previously deemed as impractical fantasies, for whatever feeble reasons.
It is a little disconcerting, however, that Schlesinger was constantly complaining of how broke he was, even once declining to spend a weekend in Martha's Vineyard with the Kennedy family and the Clintons because of the cost!
Another thing I would be remiss to not point out: I'm a college student, and this book has very much invigorated my desire to enter academia and/or public service, which I had previously deemed as impractical fantasies, for whatever feeble reasons.
It is a little disconcerting, however, that Schlesinger was constantly complaining of how broke he was, even once declining to spend a weekend in Martha's Vineyard with the Kennedy family and the Clintons because of the cost!
September 30, 2012
An incredible book. I found it on top of my mother's dresser after moving here to San Antonio and had so much trouble putting it down. Arthur Schlesinger Jr was a very opinionated man - an author that had a lot to do with the government during his lifetime. This was a compilation of some of the journals he kept during his lifetime, something his sons put together as a gift to him, but sadly he died before they were finished. The inside look on the government, especially during the time Kennedy was in office, was very interesting. He was a close friend of all of the Kennedys and it was neat getting a sort of inside look at things that happened, including the death of JFK. If you're into history and politics, I definitely recommend it.
December 19, 2008
Interesting central view of national Democratic politics in the last 50 years. Also funny ruminations on speechwriting, political figures, foreign policy, history, authorship, media, dinner parties, Lauren Bacall, and Henry Kissinger. The man was at the front of a lot of history and talked to a lot of important figures, and also went to a lot of parties. He also has an old world view of women. But he sounded like a fun guy to hang out with, drink bourbon, and chat politics.
November 24, 2010
Reading all 858 pages of this book was a pleasure. If you can think of a politician in the latter half of the 20th Century, Schlesinger knew them and dishes in a highly amusing way. You’ll love JFK, Jackie read Proust!, LBJ was kind of a dick, Nixon was a horror (that’s not surprising), and Hillary is really funny…and I could go on and on. You read this journal and realize what is possible in a life, along with what was happening in the “American experience� at the same time.
August 5, 2023
In "Journals," Arthur Schlesinger Jr. offers a captivating exploration of American political history spanning the Eisenhower to Clinton administrations. Through his unparalleled connections with U.S. Presidents, foreign leaders, intellectuals, and cultural icons, Schlesinger provides an insider's perspective on the tumultuous events that shaped the 20th century.
With candor, Schlesinger delves into his personal sentiments, both favorable and critical, towards prominent figures of the era. The admiration for the Kennedy brothers, John and Robert, shines through, while his disillusionment with Lyndon Johnson's interpersonal approach is apparent. Notably, Schlesinger's palpable disdain for Richard Nixon adds an ironic twist, considering their proximity as neighbors following Nixon's presidency.
Throughout the book, Schlesinger's political inclinations come to the fore, as he expresses his reservations about Republican presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Nixon. His critique extends to a fellow Democrat, Jimmy Carter, revealing Schlesinger's willingness to evaluate leaders from his own party objectively.
The narrative isn't limited to policy discussions; Schlesinger enthralls readers with captivating anecdotes, insider gossip, and subtle insinuations involving prominent politicians, particularly those in the nation's capital. Delicate topics, including the romantic entanglements of President Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Gary Hart, Bill Clinton, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Rockefeller, are deftly navigated.
A noteworthy revelation is Schlesinger's subtle hint at the complex relationship between himself, Robert Kennedy, and the enigmatic Marilyn Monroe. His close friendship with Jackie Kennedy also comes to the forefront, offering readers a unique glimpse into her life.
“Journals" serves as a window into Schlesinger's engagement with pivotal issues of his time, encompassing the Vietnam War, the Cold War, Mideast tensions, diplomatic overtures with Russia and China, and the high-stakes Cuban Missile Crisis. Schlesinger's multifaceted talents shine as he shares his role in crafting speeches and messages for aspiring Democratic presidential candidates.
Despite its substantial 783-page length, “Journals" maintains an engrossing narrative that captivates without causing reader fatigue. The book is both an enjoyable read and an invaluable source of information, making it a compelling recommendation for scholars of presidential history and anyone intrigued by the intricacies of American politics and events from 1952 to 2000.
With candor, Schlesinger delves into his personal sentiments, both favorable and critical, towards prominent figures of the era. The admiration for the Kennedy brothers, John and Robert, shines through, while his disillusionment with Lyndon Johnson's interpersonal approach is apparent. Notably, Schlesinger's palpable disdain for Richard Nixon adds an ironic twist, considering their proximity as neighbors following Nixon's presidency.
Throughout the book, Schlesinger's political inclinations come to the fore, as he expresses his reservations about Republican presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Nixon. His critique extends to a fellow Democrat, Jimmy Carter, revealing Schlesinger's willingness to evaluate leaders from his own party objectively.
The narrative isn't limited to policy discussions; Schlesinger enthralls readers with captivating anecdotes, insider gossip, and subtle insinuations involving prominent politicians, particularly those in the nation's capital. Delicate topics, including the romantic entanglements of President Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Gary Hart, Bill Clinton, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Rockefeller, are deftly navigated.
A noteworthy revelation is Schlesinger's subtle hint at the complex relationship between himself, Robert Kennedy, and the enigmatic Marilyn Monroe. His close friendship with Jackie Kennedy also comes to the forefront, offering readers a unique glimpse into her life.
“Journals" serves as a window into Schlesinger's engagement with pivotal issues of his time, encompassing the Vietnam War, the Cold War, Mideast tensions, diplomatic overtures with Russia and China, and the high-stakes Cuban Missile Crisis. Schlesinger's multifaceted talents shine as he shares his role in crafting speeches and messages for aspiring Democratic presidential candidates.
Despite its substantial 783-page length, “Journals" maintains an engrossing narrative that captivates without causing reader fatigue. The book is both an enjoyable read and an invaluable source of information, making it a compelling recommendation for scholars of presidential history and anyone intrigued by the intricacies of American politics and events from 1952 to 2000.
March 23, 2021
A friend and I had exchanged reading lists. This one was on his. The list I had sent him had Notes from Underground, which I think he was somewhat perplexed about, rightly so. It's a mad man yammering away like only Russian mad men can do. But NOTES is short, while JOURNALS is long! JOURNALS is 892 pages long, including the index. I am running out of gas for a second time and I'm only, yes only, on p 545. My initial attempt made it to around p 178. So why do I churn on?
Well, I've given up finishing this one. I made it through 1987, p644. Interesting but very very repetitive. Anyway...
Artie is interesting. He is a wasp's wasp. Bow ties, liberal, intellectual, Harvard graduate, Harvard professor, Washington DC & NYC man about town, writer, his father (Artie Sr) a famous and Pulitzer-prize winning historian too. It runs in the family! At first I didn't think I could continue because, well, there's a lot of "lunch today with Henry (Kissinger), Adlai, Jackie (beautiful as ever), Joe Alsop, Norman at the Century club. Excellent lamb. The speech by JFK was his usual charming intelligent jaunt through European history." There is a lot of lunching, dining, drinking, name name name dropping, etc. But he is chowing down with a lot of interesting famous people.
He was a very close advisor to JFK. Spent long weekends with him and all the Kennedys. (What could be more fun than that?!) Helped write many of JFK's speeches. Plus, he is very critical of pretty much any President not named Kennedy. Savagely funny. Especially, Carter and Nixon. And then Nixon moves into the brownstone right behind Artie's, yes, of course, on the upper East Side. Nixon always in a 3 piece suit!
Anyway, I will plunge on and wrap this one up. NOPE. COULDN'T FINISH!
Well, I've given up finishing this one. I made it through 1987, p644. Interesting but very very repetitive. Anyway...
Artie is interesting. He is a wasp's wasp. Bow ties, liberal, intellectual, Harvard graduate, Harvard professor, Washington DC & NYC man about town, writer, his father (Artie Sr) a famous and Pulitzer-prize winning historian too. It runs in the family! At first I didn't think I could continue because, well, there's a lot of "lunch today with Henry (Kissinger), Adlai, Jackie (beautiful as ever), Joe Alsop, Norman at the Century club. Excellent lamb. The speech by JFK was his usual charming intelligent jaunt through European history." There is a lot of lunching, dining, drinking, name name name dropping, etc. But he is chowing down with a lot of interesting famous people.
He was a very close advisor to JFK. Spent long weekends with him and all the Kennedys. (What could be more fun than that?!) Helped write many of JFK's speeches. Plus, he is very critical of pretty much any President not named Kennedy. Savagely funny. Especially, Carter and Nixon. And then Nixon moves into the brownstone right behind Artie's, yes, of course, on the upper East Side. Nixon always in a 3 piece suit!
Anyway, I will plunge on and wrap this one up. NOPE. COULDN'T FINISH!
February 24, 2020
Remember the rock band The Fugs? On their 1965 debut album they recorded the delightful 60s anthem “Nothing,� whose insightful [?] lyrics include “Stevenson Nothing, Humphrey Nothing...Averill Harriman: GAGAGA Nothing!�
But these are precisely the guys Schlesinger met with, lunched with, was confided in by, and were written about in his journals, as well as the Kennedys, and many, other politicians and statesmen. And there’s no Nothing there; Schlesinger’s insights, analyses, and anecdotes are wonderful. A delightful and at times spellbinding read.
But these are precisely the guys Schlesinger met with, lunched with, was confided in by, and were written about in his journals, as well as the Kennedys, and many, other politicians and statesmen. And there’s no Nothing there; Schlesinger’s insights, analyses, and anecdotes are wonderful. A delightful and at times spellbinding read.
February 21, 2023
Wildly entertaining parade of regular (not quite daily) journal entries by a man who counseled 5 Democratic presidents and was an authoritative insider to much 20th century American political history. Both his dinner companions and fellow Century Club members reads like a who’s who of intellectual society. Revealing insights into 20th century US presidents, international figures and literary giants are priceless. A committed liberal, Schlesinger takes a bare-knuckled approach to his conservative adversaries but is as admiring of Gerald Ford as he is disappointed in Jimmy Carter.
August 22, 2020
Quite a chunky one to get through but I never found myself not enjoying reading it. The time frame of the entries is so extensive (1952-2000) which I thought helped the read remain intriguing to me.
I will say that if you’re picking up this book with zero context, it may be overwhelming. A quick google search may help add a bit more context but I do wish they added in more background for those that weren’t familiar.
Overall, a good read for historical purposes. A good one to never donate and keep on the shelves.
I will say that if you’re picking up this book with zero context, it may be overwhelming. A quick google search may help add a bit more context but I do wish they added in more background for those that weren’t familiar.
Overall, a good read for historical purposes. A good one to never donate and keep on the shelves.
February 28, 2008
Finally! This one definitely took a while to finish for me, but I just knocked out the last 225 pages while waiting for my husband, who had an unfortunate encounter this afternoon with some kitchen scissors, in the ER. But fear not, he will be a-ok, and our long delay forced me to finish this bad boy.
I found this one difficult to rate. I enjoyed it, sometimes a little and sometimes a lot, but I don't think I can really apply my usual criteria for judging books to this one. It is a journal, and I am not sure it was meant for public scrutiny and consumption (although sometimes I kind of wonder if he knew it would be released to the public). So it wouldn't be really fair to criticize the writing, which is mostly good but a bit long-winded.
I do question a couple of the editorial decisions. There are full entries that describe events that Schlesinger himself refers to as boring and inconsequential, when some major historical events that Schlesinger was, I am guessing, involved in were really glossed over. I also think it would have been tremendously helpful to have an appendix with a list of those mentioned in the book and their roles on Capitol Hill. While I recognized many of the names, it would be good to know who served with which administration and why they are significant.
But overall I really enjoyed reading this. I found Schlesinger's obsession with Nixon to be a bit neurotic, but enlightening and funny nonetheless. I also enjoyed reading about his interactions with celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Woody Allen and Lauren Bacall. If you love history or politics and are willing to invest some time in the book, I think it is worth reading.
I found this one difficult to rate. I enjoyed it, sometimes a little and sometimes a lot, but I don't think I can really apply my usual criteria for judging books to this one. It is a journal, and I am not sure it was meant for public scrutiny and consumption (although sometimes I kind of wonder if he knew it would be released to the public). So it wouldn't be really fair to criticize the writing, which is mostly good but a bit long-winded.
I do question a couple of the editorial decisions. There are full entries that describe events that Schlesinger himself refers to as boring and inconsequential, when some major historical events that Schlesinger was, I am guessing, involved in were really glossed over. I also think it would have been tremendously helpful to have an appendix with a list of those mentioned in the book and their roles on Capitol Hill. While I recognized many of the names, it would be good to know who served with which administration and why they are significant.
But overall I really enjoyed reading this. I found Schlesinger's obsession with Nixon to be a bit neurotic, but enlightening and funny nonetheless. I also enjoyed reading about his interactions with celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Woody Allen and Lauren Bacall. If you love history or politics and are willing to invest some time in the book, I think it is worth reading.
November 14, 2009
This a compilation of Schlesinger's personal journals edited by his two eldest sons. I realize that it is not meant to be a biography, but unfortunately, the editors provide no apparatus, no footnotes (just very, very,very few asterisks with a few words of explanation). I have been following politics and American government since 1960 and the election of JFK, so I knew exactly what I was reading about. But a reader with less background in government and politics and, for that matter, in American cultural history of the period, can easily be lost. A reader with no background at all in these things (and yes, there are many ... and there will be more as time moves forward), if
(s)he should venture into these pages, will definitely be lost. If it weren't for the editorial problem, I would give this at least another star. Schlesinger's writing is, as always, crisp, clear, and vibrant. Particular high points for me: his capturing of the spirit of JFK, his obvious affection for and respect for Jacqueline Kennedy (Onassis), and his repeated references to Richard Nixon as "a shit"!
(s)he should venture into these pages, will definitely be lost. If it weren't for the editorial problem, I would give this at least another star. Schlesinger's writing is, as always, crisp, clear, and vibrant. Particular high points for me: his capturing of the spirit of JFK, his obvious affection for and respect for Jacqueline Kennedy (Onassis), and his repeated references to Richard Nixon as "a shit"!
June 16, 2011
This was highly recommended by a friend, and a number of people in one of my book groups has since read it, pretty much all to positive reactions. Be warned, it is a large book. I am reading it as my break book at work which is why I have been at it so long. When I am reading, I am often tempted to keep it with me and keep on reading but because of its structure it is so perfect as a break book, I end up keeping it there.
I am a history buff and Schlessinger certainly was in the thick of a lot of what happened in the United States from the 1950s on and his journals are an unvarnished look at the major personalities of the time, their place in history, wonderfully spiced with gossip of the New York/Washington D.C. movers and shakers. Entertaining as well as interesting. Despite the length of the book, I think I will be sorry when I have finished. This has turned out to be true, in one sense there is the sense of accomplishment in having finished the book; on the other I was sorry when it was over.
I am a history buff and Schlessinger certainly was in the thick of a lot of what happened in the United States from the 1950s on and his journals are an unvarnished look at the major personalities of the time, their place in history, wonderfully spiced with gossip of the New York/Washington D.C. movers and shakers. Entertaining as well as interesting. Despite the length of the book, I think I will be sorry when I have finished. This has turned out to be true, in one sense there is the sense of accomplishment in having finished the book; on the other I was sorry when it was over.
October 22, 2007
This was a tremendous book and a pleasure to read. You get a political history of the second half of the 20th Century through the eyes of the author, who was both a participant and observer. Full of fascinating political tidbits and gossip, a look at New York and Washington political/intellectual circles during these years and a running commentary on current events and public figures. I've read God knows how many biographies about some of the people discussed and I still learned a great deal about them both from the stories Schlesinger relates and his academic analysis of policy and history. He does at times play the dandyish professor - insisting on calling lunch "luncheon" no matter what - and he can sometimes be over the top when discussing his social life. But the meat of the book is so rewarding these trivial matters are more than forgiven.
December 12, 2008
Schlesinger not only lived through some pretty interesting times, but had access to and knew all of the key players. The most enjoyable parts of his journals is when he provides his insider prespective on key events - Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missle Crisis, RFK's decision to seek the nomination in 68... We also get his personal opinions on some of the most important/interesting people of the last 50 years.
My dislikes: Schlesinger expresses disappointment at variuous times when public sentiment/opinion is not in agreement on his own views on certain events - ie. the invasions of Panama and Grenada, airstrikes against Libya. However, when you read all of the socializing he did within the liberal elite circles, it's clear he never had a touch with the "common man" and thus his writing and history only appears to a narrow audience.
My dislikes: Schlesinger expresses disappointment at variuous times when public sentiment/opinion is not in agreement on his own views on certain events - ie. the invasions of Panama and Grenada, airstrikes against Libya. However, when you read all of the socializing he did within the liberal elite circles, it's clear he never had a touch with the "common man" and thus his writing and history only appears to a narrow audience.
February 2, 2025
I was left a little underwhelmed by this book of I'm honest. It is an autobiography (in the form of a diary) of the life of Arthur Schlesinger Jr, from his time as a speech writer for Adlai Stephenson and JFK to the year 2000.
It is a little depressing, as most biographies build up to a final denouement where he is at the height of his success, but this book feels more like... a constant decline from an apex we see in the first 200 pages. The result is we a man drift outwards, away from the organs of power, pouting that he doesn't have the access he once had, as he goes.
So all in all, I'm left feeling a bit meh about the book. It was an interesting read, but you'll be left wondering why he was so famous in the first place.
It is a little depressing, as most biographies build up to a final denouement where he is at the height of his success, but this book feels more like... a constant decline from an apex we see in the first 200 pages. The result is we a man drift outwards, away from the organs of power, pouting that he doesn't have the access he once had, as he goes.
So all in all, I'm left feeling a bit meh about the book. It was an interesting read, but you'll be left wondering why he was so famous in the first place.
October 22, 2008
Excerpts from personal journals provide rare behind the scenes view of the people and politics of the last 50+ years. Much rawer than most commentaries and gives facsinating insights into the personalities, private opinions, and social interactions of so many who shaped the world from JFK to Clinton. Most intriguing with the failures of Alai Stevenson in the 50's (who I knew little about), the rise of the Kennedys in late 50's and 60's, and the damage done by the Democratic schism between Kennedy wing and Carter Administration in the 70's.
September 8, 2011
Schlesinger was at the center of American politics for several decades and his diaries provide a rich commentary on the key figures of the late 20th century such as Kennedy, Carter and Clinton. What is disappointing is that this huge spectrum of characters is presented to us with no background context or footnotes. The book presumes that the reader is familiar with the politics and social circles described and this can be frustrating. Nevertheless the descriptions of these people and events make for a compelling read.
April 5, 2008
Well I don't start (and actually finish) too many 850 page books, so I guess that says something good about this one. The journal format made it manageable, and probably more candid and gossipy than if he'd had time to go over all the entries and write the second volume of his traditional memoirs. It was a good dose of 20th century American history, which is my favorite, and ultimately I was kind of sad when it ended.
October 4, 2008
Ok, I haven't actually read the whole book. I really liked it, in spite of him constantly referring to people by first names and having to search back to see who 'George' or 'Randoph' or 'Bill'was. Luckily, there were enough references to the likes of 'Bobby', 'Teddy', 'Averill', and 'Dwight' to help me through. But I had to stop before November, 1963. Just couldn't do it. I may still finish it.
September 15, 2015
I am certain it was not fair of me to give this one star but I do not care. I was so upset with some of the things Schlesinger wrote in his notes about some political people on the other side of the isle. Many of the things his children put in the book from his notes were of no interest to me . I have read books written by Schlesinger and liked them so I blame the problems with this book on the children who edited it. I guess I am also upset that I wasted three days on this.
April 2, 2008
Covers the years 1952-2000. This book was very interesting to me because it covers so much of my life and memories of historical events. A historian who spent much time with both JFK and RFK, Schlesinger writes with wit and humor, he has a great capacity for both empathy and common sense. Not for everyone, the book is long at almost 900 pages, I found it a wonderful companion for several weeks.
August 10, 2013
Agree with most of the positives noted by other reviewers, but he comes across a little starstruck at times (Mick Jagger reads the newspapers - so what?). It also appears he never spent more than a cab ride with anyone who wasn't white, powerful and/or rich. That, combined with too much talk about cocktail parties, becomes heavy going over 900 pages.
September 13, 2007
Norris Church Mailer dated Bill Clinton?! Sontag toured the USSR in '82 with Schlesinger AND Erica Jong in the same car?! Priceless little morsels such as these on every page--a fine distillation of 10,000 high profile cocktail party conversations.
January 24, 2008
A bit sycophantic in re the Kennedys but fascinating back-stage glimpses some politicians I grew up admiring (Stevenson, JFK, etc) and some I loathed (Kissinger, Arthur's neighbor Nixon, etc) along with literati, movie stars, and artists.
April 14, 2008
An incredible journal of one amazing man's experiences over forty eight turbulant and noteworthy years. Of particular interest to me as the journal starts when I am two and covers so much of my young adult and adult life and the evnets that shaped my reality.
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