The Nixons: A Family Portrait

by Ed Nixon, Karen Olson

An intimate look into the family of one of this country's most influential, innovative, and controversial American Presidents. The life of Richard Milhous Nixon will forever be a focal point of 20th century American history. But until now, little has been written about the people who helped shape the ideals of this American icon. From his vantage point as the youngest Nixon son, Edward Nixon gives an insider's perspective not only on his famous brother and his remarkable life, but also on the two extended families that produced this man of profound intellect and influence. No other President has been tested as Richard Nixon was, but her never let adversity weaken his faith and undermine his determination. Now meet the people who journeyed through life with this extraordinary man and helped him build his legacy.

474 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2009

Reviews

[Earl Ecklund III · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Ed Nixon was the youngest of the five Nixon brothers, in this book Ed Nixon covers the Nixon family's ancestry, his two other brothers who died of tuberculosis (Arthur and Harold), his parents, his upbringing and of course his two older brothers Don and his more famous brother Dick who was the 37th President of the United States.

The book tracks Ed Nixon's life and Dick Nixon's career side by side. Ed provides fascinating insights into his family and how his oldest surviving brother's rise to fame affected them. If anything I wish there had been more written about Don and his family. Donald Nixon was often the target of the press in attempts to embarrass Dick Nixon and I would to have liked to known more about this often maligned individual. A fascinating read for anyone interested in the personal side of Richard Nixon.

[CD · Rating 3 out of 5]

You could almost like RMN a lot more than you may or may not after perusing this work. It is a family history by his brother afterall.

From religious background to true intellectual capabilities Nixon's life was surprising to even those who had watched him closely. Brother Ed didn't change my view greatly on the nature of the man, or who he became. As it has been said by many and I often repeat, Nixon was one of the great President's but still a criminal who probably deserved jail time.

Accomplishments to perfidy Nixon's legacy is covered with little left out. Not much new and not sweeping magnum opus, yet an interesting chapter to add to the story of Eisenhower's VP made good/bad.