The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Doris Kearns Goodwin |
| Products | Non-fiction book |
| Parent | Simon & Schuster |
The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys is a 1987 publication by Doris Kearns Goodwin, released through Simon & Schuster. This work traces the histories of two influential Boston Irish American lineages—the Kennedys and the Fitzgeralds—beginning with the baptism of John F. Fitzgerald and concluding at John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961. While the book was lauded for its thoroughness and perceptive analysis, it became subject to plagiarism allegations in 2002.
Contents
The story opens with the baptism of Rose Kennedy's father, John Francis Fitzgerald, in 1863, emphasizing his political ascent and decline within Massachusetts. It proceeds to detail Rose's union with Joe Kennedy, focusing on his personal challenges and the prefrontal lobotomy performed on their eldest daughter, Rosemary. The concluding portion centers on their eldest children—Joe Jr., Jack, and Kick—collectively known as the "Golden Trio," culminating in JFK's presidential inauguration.
Background
Prior to this work, Goodwin authored Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream. Her research for this book involved examining 150 boxes of private documents and conducting interviews with numerous members of the Kennedy family and their associates, including Rose Kennedy herself.
Critical reception
Kirkus awarded a starred review, describing it as an "extensive yet consistently captivating" narrative praised for its novel insights and detailed information. Publishers Weekly emphasized its balanced and empathetic portrayal, steering clear of sensationalism, and anticipated strong readership despite coverage ending in 1961. Christopher Lehmann-Haupt of The New York Times applauded the vivid character depictions and frank exploration of familial shortcomings.
In another New York Times critique, Geoffrey C. Ward underscored the originality found in the early chapters and Goodwin’s evocative portrayal of Fitzgerald’s background alongside Joseph Kennedy’s personality but noted that reliance on interview quotations sometimes weakened credibility. The New England Quarterly commended the exploration of family relationships but questioned Goodwin’s impartiality due to her close connections with the family and dependence on interviews, pointing out a hesitance to critically examine contentious issues. Additionally, Booklist provided a review.
Controversy
In 2002, The Weekly Standard revealed that The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys contained passages lifted without attribution from three separate works. This plagiarism scandal provoked widespread criticism, resulting in Doris Kearns Goodwin stepping down from the Pulitzer Prize Board and relinquishing her regular role on PBS NewsHour.