Biography of the 3+ term governor of New York and influential public figure for decades. A fairly well-balanced book that shows the pluses and minuses of Rockefeller's style, and I am convinced that the author is right about the mistakes Rockefeller made in his presidential runs. It seems to me that he never really got as close as some people thought he did. A good read. ( )

Richard Norton Smith's extensive biography of Nelson Rockefeller titled "On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockfeller" is a tour de force from start to finish. While dense in detail and comprehensive in its narration of the life of Nelson Rockefeller, it is at the same time extremely well written and eminently readable. Nelson Rockefeller was the epitomy of the twentieth century progressive technocrat politician, in the vein of Wilson and FDR. All problems had a solution, a government solution mind you, If enough elite minds and plenty of money could be brought to bear. Rockefeller could afford to be such a progressive because of the resources he inherited; the elite status he enjoyed in society and politics; the fact that he (or later, the public coffers) could pay the price for his "scientific: approach to fulfilling every dream he desired; and the fact that he could always say that he meant well in all that he did "for the good of the people of New York.". His profligacy with his own resources was one thing, but his profligacy with other people's money was quite another.

After four terms as the governor of New York, he left a legacy for his successors and "the people of New York" that included the most burdensome tax load in the nation; a state and the largest city in the nation facing the possibility of default on the outsized debt he had incurred, the implementation of "innovative" public financing that was designed to circumvent reasonable checks and balances, and establishing programs that were not sustainable without continued increases in support. Only in the final years of his final term did he come to realize what he had wrought and began to pull back from the bleeding edge of liberal activism. It is highly instructive to read the criticism of Rockefeller by Jackie Robinson, just before Robinson died. A staunch supporter of Rockefeller as the visionary progressive, but now disappointed in the realist Rockefeller, he wrote: "I cannot fight any longer, Governor, for I believe you have lost the sensitivity and understanding I felt was yours when I worked for you." Spoken like a true liberal: no consideration for the tax burdens placed on the middle class by the South Mall, the thousands of miles of road, the financing of the arts, the burgeoning welfare rolls, and so may other of Rockefeller's "projects", all of which took him from his original pledge of "pay as you go" governance. Instead of bedrock realism informing governance, poor Jackie was looking for sensitivity and understanding - and an endlessly open public checkbook drawing on the resources of the citizenry.

And yet, this remarkable biography makes clear that Nelson Rockefeller was a true study in the contradictions found in the make up of historically important individuals. Yes, so many accomplishments, so much culture and refinement, so much devotion to good things. But also a failed marriage, family estrangement, the constant background noise of infidelity and betrayal of those closest to him, and constant seeking of power and influence.

This book also makes clear, if it needed to made any clearer, that politics is a messy business and those who engage in it with all their hearts and souls often find they have sold their souls for a mess of pottage. That should be a cautionary tale for the citizens of this nation in this political season when the possible choice is not good, better or best, but rather the least ugly, the least damaging, the least corrupt.

The author also provides a detailed look into the Rockefeller family organization, some of their pet projects (MoMA and Rockefeller Center, for example), and the financial empire they controlled. The lifestyle they enjoyed might appear at first glance to be enviable, but in reality it could be, and in fact was for many of the family, a burden.

Thank you, Mr. Richard Norton Smith, for the good read. ( )

Oh boy, did this take a while to get through. I'm a quick reader, but this book is so dense, it took me a few months (with breaks for other books) in order to get through it. But I've always been fascinated by the Rockefeller dynasty, and this was an amazing glimpse into its inner workings. So many crazy moments, so many opportunities to feel inadequate and unprivileged in relation. The Rockefeller relation to American politics was also intriguing, especially as a student of political science and political history. I strongly recommend, as long as you're aware of what you're getting yourself into. Perhaps have some light hearted romps to read along with it. ( )

I received this advance edition through LibraryThing Early Reviewer in exchange for an honest review.

This was quite a read. It took a while to get through, and I feel that I know more about Rockefeller than I needed to know. That said, for anyone that is interested in American Government, The Rockefeller dynasty, or about politics in general, Smith has put together a comprehensive book about Rockefeller's life- it is well-written and expertly researched. If there is one maxim that I took away from "On His Own Terms", it's that you don't have to be a genius to be rich and powerful. ( )

5269. On His Own Terms A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, by Richard Norton Smith (read 30 Apr 2015) This is a stupendously well written and well organized biography of the 41st Vice-President of the U.S. Rockefeller was born 8 July 1908, was elected governor of New York four times, sought the Republican nomination for president in 1960, 1964, and 1968, and when Jerry Ford became president he chose Rockefeller to be Vice-President. There is not an uninteresting page in this book, and it is hard to see how it could have been improved..There is much to be admired about Rockefeller and also much to be deprecated. This is the third book by Richard Norton Smith I have read, having read his biography of Tom Dewey on 7 April 1985 and his biography of Colonel McCormick on 16 March 2004. Anyone who is interested in the political events of the years from 1940 to 1979 will find this book on Rockefeller of absorbing interest.. ( )