Based on the author's unprecedented access to a wealth of new material gleaned from her own writings; from documents at the schools she attended; from the archives of the John F. Kennedy Library; and from interviews with those who knew her best, this book offers astonishing revelations about every period of Jackie's life -- from her marriages to the president of the United States and the richest man in the world, to her remarkable and exciting career (which spanned a third of her lifetime).

There are, as well, dramatic new details concerning Jackie's influence on the policies of the Kennedy administration, especially in the areas of nuclear disarmament and civil rights. In light of fresh disclosures about John F. Kennedy's medical history, Spoto also offers the first coherent account of Jackie's marriage to the president -- its trials, its distress, its complexity, and its historic significance.

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis also presents the first portrait of Jackie's remarkable final years, from her vibrant life as an influential, hard-working editor and devoted mother to her hitherto unknown journey toward deep inner peace and wisdom.

Only Donald Spoto could bring to life this epic story, for he is (says The Houston Chronicle) "a gifted writer who blends candor with meticulous scholarship." With insight and clarity, he brings his skills as a premier celebrity biographer to this powerful, poignant account of one of the most fascinating women in history.