The closing of Ted Kennedy's chapter in America's political and cultural life means that, for the first time perhaps, the real measure of the Kennedy legacy can finally be taken. John, Robert and Ted's individual stories can be seen as essentially one now, each successive brother striving to fulfill the interrupted promise of the brother before. This is a story of a brotherhood in three acts: Act I is John F. Kennedy's presidency, as seen from Ted's front-row seat; Act II is Robert Kennedy's five brief years as the family standard bearer, including his tenure in the Senate with his brother Ted and the memorable 82-day campaign that redefined the Kennedy legacy. Act III is Ted's 40-plus years in the Senate as keeper of the flame. How did the brothers pass the torch to each other? What have the three brothers left us collectively? And who carries the torch forward now? The Kennedy Legacy compellingly answers these questions and much more. Excerpt ''Joe would often serve as a surrogate parent, filling in as enforcer and role model during the frequent absences of Joe Sr. and Rose.Jack would act as the family's detached observer, commenting and dissecting the proceedings as much as participating in them. Bobby was the fierce-willed altar boy, fighting for every scrap of ground he could get with a kind of messianic zeal, and Ted was the roll-with-the-punches guy. In short, Joe Jr. was the family's star, Jack its wit, Bobby its soul, and Ted its laugh...Joe Sr. genuinely expected all four sons to be president. He gloated when they were children that he would outdo the Adams family, which only had two presidents.''