Uncovering Ted Kennedy's 'True Compass'

Fresh Air

Published September 11, 2009 at 2:12 PM EDT

Edward M. Kennedy was the third-longest serving senator in U.S. history.

Edward M. Kennedy, who died Aug. 25, 2009 after serving 46 years in the U.S. Senate, kept careful notes and journals about his life for nearly 50 years. Now, in his posthumously published memoir True Compass, Kennedy reflects on the controversies, successes and tragedies of his famous family.

Jonathan Karp, editor-in-chief and publisher of Twelve Book, which has published True Compass, speaks with Terry Gross about his experiences working with the late senator in the final year of Kennedy's life.

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