Laurence Leamer

Laurence Leamer is an American journalist and non-fiction author known for his in-depth biographies and political writing. Since beginning his career in 1969, he has established himself as a leading authority on the Kennedy family and American political figures. His most notable works include comprehensive books about the Kennedy dynasty, with "The Kennedy Women" and "Sons of Camelot" receiving particular acclaim. Leamer has also written bestselling biographies of prominent American figures including Johnny Carson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the Reagan family. Recent works have focused on contemporary political subjects, including "Mar-a-Lago: Inside the Gates of Power at Donald Trump's Presidential Palace" and "Capote's Women," the latter of which became a national bestseller and was adapted for television as the second season of "Feud." Leamer's background includes service in the Peace Corps in Nepal and academic appointments as a Ford Fellow at the University of Oregon and International Fellow at Columbia University. His journalism career spans several decades, with his work appearing in major publications and his expertise making him a frequent commentator on American politics and society.

Readers consistently note Leamer's thorough research and access to insider sources. Comments frequently highlight his ability to uncover new information about well-documented subjects, particularly in his Kennedy family books. What readers liked: - Deep investigative detail and primary source material - Clear, straightforward writing style - Balanced perspective on controversial figures - Ability to make complex political histories accessible What readers disliked: - Some books described as too dense with facts and names - Occasional repetition of information across chapters - Writing can be dry compared to more narrative-focused biographies Ratings across platforms: - "The Kennedy Women" - 4.0/5 on Goodreads (2,800+ ratings) - "Sons of Camelot" - 3.8/5 on Amazon (120+ reviews) - "Mar-a-Lago" - 4.2/5 on Amazon (1,100+ reviews) - "Capote's Women" - 4.1/5 on Goodreads (31,000+ ratings) One reader noted: "Leamer excels at letting the facts speak for themselves without sensationalizing." Another commented: "Sometimes the detail overwhelms the storytelling, but the research is impeccable."

Madness Under the Royal Palms: Love and Death Behind the Gates of Palm Beach (2009) A detailed examination of the social dynamics and hidden world of Palm Beach's wealthy elite during the economic peak before the 2008 financial crisis.

The Kennedy Women: The Saga of an American Family (1994) An extensive chronicle following five generations of Kennedy women, from Irish immigrants to modern political figures.

Sons of Camelot: The Fate of an American Dynasty (2004) A documentation of the lives of John F. Kennedy's sons and nephews, examining their triumphs and struggles.

Make-Believe: The Story of Nancy and Ronald Reagan in Hollywood (1983) An account of Ronald and Nancy Reagan's years in Hollywood before entering politics.

King of the Night: The Life of Johnny Carson (1989) A biography examining Johnny Carson's rise to television stardom and his complex personal life.

Fantastic: The Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger (2005) A biographical account of Arnold Schwarzenegger's journey from bodybuilding champion to Hollywood star to California governor.

Mar-a-Lago: Inside the Gates of Power at Donald Trump's Presidential Palace (2019) An investigation into the history and significance of Mar-a-Lago as both a social club and presidential retreat.

Capote's Women (2021) A detailed look at Truman Capote's relationships with his society women confidantes and how their betrayal affected his life and career.

The Price of Justice (2013) A documentation of two lawyers' fifteen-year battle against a powerful coal executive in West Virginia.

Robert Caro writes exhaustively researched political biographies with deep historical context, particularly his multi-volume work on Lyndon Johnson. His focus on power dynamics and political machinery mirrors Leamer's approach to examining influential American figures.

Sally Bedell Smith produces detailed biographies of prominent American and British figures including the Kennedys and the British Royal Family. Her emphasis on family dynamics and political influence aligns with Leamer's examination of powerful dynasties.

Ron Chernow creates comprehensive biographical works that explore both the personal and public lives of significant historical figures. His research methodology and attention to primary sources parallel Leamer's journalistic approach to biographical writing.

Kitty Kelley focuses on unauthorized biographies of prominent families and celebrities, including the Bushes and the British Royal Family. Her investigative style and focus on private details behind public facades matches Leamer's approach to biographical subjects.

David Maraniss writes political biographies and cultural histories that examine both individual figures and broader social contexts. His combination of biographical detail and political analysis reflects Leamer's style of connecting personal stories to larger historical narratives.