The Founding Father

The Story of Joseph P. Kennedy

By: Richard Whalen

Narrated by: Richard Whalen

Length: 26 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Boldly original and fully documented, this unauthorized yet definitive biography tells the almost incredible story of Joseph P. Kennedy, grandson of a poor Irish immigrant, controversial founder of a great American fortune, and father of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.

Joe Kennedy, a single-minded capitalist, made big money in booming Wall Street, Hollywood movies, corporate reorganizations, liquor distribution, and New York and Chicago real estate speculation. An early New Dealer who helped elect Franklin D. Roosevelt and dreamed of becoming the first Catholic President, he supported appeasement of Hitler and failed as FDR's pre-World War II Ambassador to London. That seemed to end his dream.

But the ruthless, iron-willed Kennedy rebounded. He shifted his ambitions to his sons and used his showman's savvy to found an image-centered political dynasty, translating wealth into unprecedented power...until tragedy intervened. Jack and Bobby were both assassinated.

Whalen's enduring classic of investigative scholarship was the first book to portray the Kennedys as real people, "warts and all". Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, the fair, balanced, and fearless Founding Father is the starting point of the fascinating Kennedy family saga.

©2005 Richard Whalen (P)2005 Whalen Consulting Group

Critic reviews

"An exemplary biography....Mr. Whalen paces the story well, conveying the strengths and weaknesses of this remarkable person with judiciousness." (The New Yorker)
"In The Founding Father, Richard J. Whalen, a first-rate journalist, presents the product of two years' research, a detailed, lively account illuminating many of the obscure aspects of Kennedy's career, especially his wide-ranging business operations. Yet this fine biography forces the reader to decide for himself what manner of man Kennedy really has been." (The New York Times Book Review)

The writer should not have been the narrator.

Having recently listened to Robert Caro's latest volume on Lyndon Johnson, this biography suffers from being even longer. Though extremely interesting, the author's narration slows the book down almost painfully, expecially in his insistance on saying "quote"- "end quote" before and after every single utterance. Totally unnecessary. A professional actor would not even feel the need to do this.

A Great Bit of History

No matter which side of the political divide you hail from, I believe you will enjoy this work immensely. It gripped me from the start.
Mr.Whalen's narration is warm and easy.

I highly recommend this reading,especially to political and/or 20th century history buffs.

WOW!!! A MUST LISTEN

Apart from the narration, which leaned toward the upside of boring,
this book was incredible. It's well written, thouroughly organized, understandable, and solidly informative. I highly, highly recommend it. It'll be worth your time-- and may be worth paying full price. It's that good!

An essential book to understand a business titan

If you could sum up The Founding Father in three words, what would they be?

I was so surprised when a person I really respect said this was one of the top book he had ever read because I thought Joe Kennedy was "just a rum runner." Not so. He was a 2nd generation American who thoughtfully planned and implemented his life. Lots to learn from his business story.

What about Richard Whalen’s performance did you like?

The author read the book, be sure to utilize the faster narration speed of audible because he is a slow talker.

One of the best biographies I have listened to

This audiobook was read by the author. He has a soothing grandfatherly story-teller voice that is easy to listen to. This book was written in the 1960s so the language is of that era. This book explains in great detail the life and times of Joe Kennedy from when his grandparents immigrated to America up to JFK's short presidency. After finishing this book, I got a good sense of the drive and ambition of this man to create a family dynasty that goes beyond just amassing wealth.

Good book, weak narrating.

Would you listen to The Founding Father again? Why?

I am more likely to read it, its a fine book, but the reading is weak, and if you're used to a great narrator, then this will drive you nuts. The author reads his own book, and you can hear pages turn and saliva build up in his mouth as he reads, he also doesn't pace his breathing well. There are reasons that authors hire readers to read their audiobooks for them, and this one should have.

What other book might you compare The Founding Father to and why?

Any history book, its somewhat dry and only interesting if you already find this topic (the history of Boston, the Irish and politics) interesting.

How could the performance have been better?

Hire a professional reader

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Irish Royalty in America

Honorable Journalism

The streetsmart tones and rough cadence of Mr. Whelan’s reading, could not be more perfect for this subject. Mr. Kennedy came up from the streets and clearly a man who understands what that means. He knows how to honorably and honestly treat the facts and the possible interpretations. This book is a must read for those who want to get between the various artfully, hidden layers of history, both within the Kennedy family, and within the eras that they sow mightily affected.

Worthwhile story ruined by narration

The ponderous delivery of his own work ruins this otherwise worthwhile "listen". The needless and constant repetition of "quote" "end quote" simply adds to the misery. The only way I managed to finish the book was by speeding up the play back which the makes the rendition bearable.

Better Than Expected

Would you consider the audio edition of The Founding Father to be better than the print version?

Yes, because unlike most of the other reviewers of this audiobook, I felt the author's voice greatly enhanced rather than detracted from the overall experience.

What did you like best about this story?

The first hand accounts.

Which character – as performed by Richard Whalen – was your favorite?

Joseph Kennedy. I feel the author mimicked Kennedy's style of delivery and tone better than a professional reader ever could have.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

As stated above, and the main reason I wanted to comment, unlike so many others, I found not only the book fascinating and extremely inciteful but the author's reading of his own work a wonderful, unexpected plus.

I Never New Joe Had Such Global Prominence

How has joe's reach not be more visible to people like myself. It was like Forrest Gump, he touched nations history from the shadows and we never saw his fingerprints. He was near achieving greatness that would exceed Jack's until he was ruined by his desperate fear of war that could take his sons from him. His influence over pres./pm /wallstreet/ newspaper barons ,even parliment is hard to believe