Jackie Robinson: An Intimate Portrait

by Rachel Robinson

In an evocative and personal memoir enhanced by hundreds of photographs, the widow of Jackie Robinson provides an intimate portrait of her husband, his rise to success, the impact of his fame on the family, and his life after baseball. 51,000 first printing. $51,000 ad/promo.

Genres: Baseball, Biography, Sports, Race, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

Rachel Robinson, the widow of trailblazing baseball legend Jackie Robinson, is a nursing professional and educator as well as an esteemed social activist.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Photo-biography of the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers star and civil rights hero, this book - presented in a coffee table-styled format, and released around the 50th anniversary of his breaking the color barrier in major league baseball - was mainly effective as the sincere text sections were co-authored by his widow Rachel. (*She was assisted in her writing by a then-unknown Lee Daniels, who now has name recognition these days as a very successful film & TV producer / director.) She provides much personal insight to material that has already been covered in countless other Robinson biographies or Brooklyn Dodgers books. Additionally, the crisp black & white photography was outstanding - lots of family photographs along with a number of candid or publicity shots. (One of my favorites was of Robinson with boxing champ 'Sugar Ray' Robinson and singer/dancer/actor Sammy Davis, Jr from the late 50's -- three smiling, happy men at the pinnacle of their individual and hard-won successes.)

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, perhaps for some it will not highlight anything unknown in the Jackie Robinson life story, but for those that haven't read anything on him this is an excellent start. It is a candid look at his life shared by Rachel Robinson, through the highs and lows, a very near fatal low with the death of their son Jackie Robinson in 1971. There are quite a few photographs that make up the book as a whole which could be said takes away a lot of the written material. But they highlight a lot of turning points in the career and private life of Jackie Robinson and his family.

[Asia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Robinson writes with such brilliance, intimacy, and love for her husband and life partner, Jackie Robinson. I cried while reading some heartbreaking moments that she endured, but what a resilient woman! Jackie and Rachel seemed to have partnered so well in their marriage, which is beautiful and inspiring to see how much greatness and legacy a couple can accomplish when they are in the right union. Jackie endured so much racism and adversity while making history in America. I had no idea prior how much of a businessman he was, so that was one of the many wonderful insights that I enjoyed reading through Rachel's storytelling. The Robinson family has faced so much tragedy, but I love how Rachel continues Jackie's legacy. Beautiful, insightful read!

[Elka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally, I loved it. Historically, it was fascinating, especially the photographs. It was infuriating reading about the treatment of African Americans as second-class citizens and worse. And of course, there's nothing like reading about your hero uncle and aunt firsthand, two of the good guys mentioned in the book. A personal thank you to Rachel Robinson for remembering them so fondly.

[Paul Alsted]

A book about the personal and professional life of Jackie Robinson. Robinson was a famous baseball player because he was the first black man to play baseball (for the Dodgers) since the 1880s. The book is full of photographs to accompany the story.

[Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authored by his widow. Love the book - loved Jackie Robinson, too. Childhood baseball hero. Large coffee table book, full of inside stories and great photos.

[Jane Rutherford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, easy overview of JR's life. Funny, sad, inspiring.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book about Jackie Robinson as told by his wife. It was a pity he and his son died so young. The photos were very touching.

[Jefferson Coombs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is mostly a collection of pictures.

[Carolyn Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Favorite.