On Thursday, September 9 at 6 p.m. the Hudson Library & Historical Society will host a live virtual streaming event with historian Susan Ronald, author of The Ambassador: Joseph P. Kennedy at the Court of St. James’s 1938-1940. Kirkus Reviews calls The Ambassador “A well-researched history of an egotist who toyed with world affairs.”

In 1938, Joseph P. Kennedy was sworn in as US Ambassador to the Court of St. James. His appointment to the most prestigious and strategic diplomatic post in the world shocked the Establishment. Initially welcomed by the British, in less than two short years Kennedy was loathed by the White House, the State Department and the British Government. Through meticulous research and many newly available sources, Ronald confirms in impressive detail what has long been believed by many: that Kennedy was a Fascist sympathizer and an anti-Semite whose only loyalty was to his family’s advancement. She also reveals the ambitions of the Kennedy dynasty during this period abroad, as they sought to enter the world of high society London and establish themselves as America’s first family.

Born and raised in the United States, Ronald has lived in England for more than twenty-five years. She most enjoys writing about forgotten or lesser-known aspects of history. She is the author of A Dangerous Woman, Hitler’s Art Thief, Heretic Queen, The Pirate Queen, and Shakespeare’s Daughter.

Copies of The Ambassador will be available for purchase courtesy of the Learned Owl Book Shop. Registration for this program is required and a valid email address is required at time of registration. Participants will receive an email invitation to attend the program, hosted on Zoom, a day before the program begins.

This event is supported by The Paul and Molly Bodden Memorial Fund. If you have any questions, please email askus@hudson.lib.oh.us or call (330) 653-6658 x1010.