Recognized as a top reference book by Library Journal in 2022, this work offers comprehensive insights and valuable information on its subject matter. It serves as an essential resource for researchers, students, and enthusiasts alike, featuring meticulously curated content that enhances understanding and accessibility. The book stands out for its authoritative perspective and user-friendly format, making it a vital addition to any library or personal collection.
From bestselling biographer Kate Clifford Larson comes the first full portrait of Fannie Lou Hamer and her galvanic part in the greatest social movement of our era.
Joe and Rose Kennedy's strikingly beautiful daughter Rosemary attended exclusive schools, was presented as a debutante to the Queen of England, and traveled the world with her high-spirited sisters. And yet, Rosemary was intellectually disabled -- a secret fiercely guarded by her powerful and glamorous family. Rose Kennedy's diaries and correspondence, school and doctors' letters, and exclusive family interviews bring Rosemary alive as a girl adored but left far behind by her competitive siblings. Kate Larson reveals both the sensitive care Rose and Joe gave to Rosemary and then -- as the family's standing reached an apex -- the often desperate and duplicitous arrangements the Kennedys made to keep her away from home as she became increasingly intractable in her early twenties. Finally, Larson illuminates Joe's decision to have Rosemary lobotomized at age twenty-three, and the family's complicity in keeping the secret. 'Rosemary' delivers a moving coda: JFK visited Rosemary for the first time while campaigning in the Midwest. She had been living isolated in a Wisconsin institution for nearly twenty years. Only then did the siblings understand what had happened to Rosemary and bring her home for loving family visits. It was a reckoning that inspired them to direct attention to the plight of the disabled, transforming the lives of millions.
Focusing on Harriet Tubman's extraordinary life, this biography delves into her complexities as a figure shaped by her race, gender, and origins. It presents a richly researched portrait of a woman who not only led a remarkable life but also played a significant role in American history, highlighting her contributions and the challenges she faced. The narrative sheds light on her resilience and the impact of her actions on the fight for freedom.