Kelly: A Father, A Son, An American Quest

The son of Irish immigrants who grew up along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia at the turn of the 20th century, Jack Kelly became a three-time gold medal Olympian, a political maverick, and the millionaire father of a princess. In this classic American tale of grit and perseverance, the clash between old world privilege and new world courage is played out on many fronts—including the watery battlefield of rowing, where Kelly first chose to forge his strength of character. Author Daniel J. Boyne follows the life of Kelly as he parlays his athletic prowess over to France during WWI, and then ventures into the equally treacherous world of Philadelphia politics during the Great Depression. Readers are introduced to other members of the illustrious Kelly clan, including Jack's brothers, Walter and George, who ascend to international acclaim in the world of theater. And there’s his daughter, Grace, who seeks to follow in their footsteps against her father's will, and his son Jack Kelly Jr., upon whose shoulders is laid the greatest challenge of all—to carry on the Kelly tradition of championship rowing.

Featuring more than thirty gorgeous historical photographs, Kelly is an uplifting true story of a real champion’s profound success in sport and life.