The Ambassador

Joseph P. Kennedy served as U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain from 1938-1940, during the critical period leading up to World War II. The Ambassador examines Kennedy's diplomatic tenure through extensive research of personal correspondence, government documents, and contemporary accounts. Author Susan Ronald traces Kennedy's political rise and chronicles his complex relationships with Franklin D. Roosevelt, Neville Chamberlain, and other key figures of the era. The narrative follows Kennedy's evolving stance on appeasing Nazi Germany and his efforts to keep America out of European conflicts. The book reveals tensions between Kennedy's official duties and his personal views, set against the backdrop of mounting global crisis. His position as both a diplomat and the patriarch of America's most famous political family adds multiple dimensions to this historical account. This biography illuminates broader themes of loyalty, moral compromise, and the intersection of private ambition with public service during a pivotal moment in world history.

Readers commend Ronald's detailed research and archival work in documenting Joseph Kennedy's tenure as US Ambassador to the UK. Several note the book provides important historical context about American isolationism and antisemitism in the late 1930s. Positives from readers: - Clear chronological organization - Extensive use of primary sources and correspondence - Balanced portrayal of Kennedy's political views Common criticisms: - Writing style can be dry and academic - Too much focus on day-to-day diplomatic minutiae - Repetitive passages about Kennedy's character flaws Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (142 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) "Meticulously researched but lacks narrative flow," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review states: "Important historical account that sometimes gets bogged down in diplomatic details." The book resonates most with readers interested in pre-WWII diplomatic history and Kennedy family scholars, while general readers find parts tedious.

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🔷 Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.'s appointment as Ambassador to the Court of St. James's was controversial from the start, as he had no diplomatic experience and was viewed by many as too sympathetic to Nazi Germany. 🔷 Author Susan Ronald spent three years researching Kennedy's ambassadorship, accessing previously classified FBI files and British intelligence reports that had never been used in prior books about Kennedy. 🔷 During his time as ambassador (1938-1940), Kennedy secretly met with Nazi sympathizers and actively worked to keep America out of World War II, even after Britain was under direct threat. 🔷 The relationship between Kennedy and President Roosevelt deteriorated so severely during the ambassadorship that FDR began having Kennedy's phones tapped and his mail intercepted. 🔷 Kennedy's resignation as ambassador effectively ended his political career, though he would later work to establish political dynasties through his children, including future President John F. Kennedy.