Seeds of Destruction: Joe Kennedy and His Sons

Seeds of Destruction, by the bestselling biographer and social historian Ralph G. Martin, is the first book to probe the complex family dynamics and psychological forces that molded the Kennedy men.

Seeds of Destruction chronicles the incredible triumphs and deep sorrows of the Kennedys. Martin delineates how the interdependence between Jack and Bobby molded their character, social conscience, and leadership ability, and how Teddy struggled within the triangle – and afterward, when it had become just a memory. Martin provides extraordinary behind-the-scenes details of the Kennedy Presidency and of an intimate family saga spanning four generations. Here is a disturbing story of how one man’s driving ambition could pit his sons against one another, fostering an ultimately devastating spirit of competition that shaped their destinies – and that of the nation.