Author Thomas Maier to Discuss Kennedys, Churchills at Sands Point Preserve Luncheon

Historians and book-lovers alike are in for a treat on Thursday, when Friends of the Sands Point Preserve hosts its fall author luncheon from 11 a.m-2 p.m., featuring best-selling author Thomas Maier.

An acclaimed biographer, Maier will discuss his latest work, “When Lions Roar: The Churchills and the Kennedys.” The book provides a comprehensive history of the deeply entwined families and the impact their relationships bore on Great Britain and the United States.

For Maier – who penned “Masters of Sex,” which served as the basis for the popular Showtime television hit – the Guggenheim Estate at Sands Point Preserve is the perfect venue to discuss the Kennedys and Churchills. Daniel Guggenheim knew Winston Churchill, who visited him at Falaise, the manor home built on the Guggenheim estate in 1923. And Joe Kennedy, who is a character written into this season’s “Boardwalk Empire,” the HBO series filmed in part at the Preserve, had a plan to import British liquor with the end of Prohibition in 1933.

Moderating this year’s author luncheon is News 12 anchor Carol Silva, a veteran journalist and Long Island native. An Emmy Award winner, Silva has more than 30 New York State Associated Press Awards, a Regional CableAce and multiple awards from both the Press Club of Long Island as well as the Long Island Coalition for Fair Broadcasting.

At the luncheon, an Arts Alive LI event, Maier will present the first comprehensive history of the personal and public connections between the legendary Kennedy and Churchill families. The two clans first met during the 1930s at a time when Joseph Kennedy – the father of the future president of the United States, John F. Kennedy – was appointed U.S. ambassador to Great Britain. Kennedy’s wealth and Churchill’s power drew the two leaders together. Their relationship bonded with a secret business deal devised by Kennedy. Over the course of four decades, their circle broadened to include their children, friends, enemies as well as lovers. Maier looks at their unique bond and interconnections, and how they influenced the 20th century.

“When Lions Roar” also examines the relationships between fathers and sons. It shines a spotlight on the tense dynamics between Winston Churchill and his son Randolph. The book also focuses on the influence that Joseph Kennedy, a failed politician, had on his sons in building a powerful political lineage.

During the Oct. 30 luncheon, Maier will share insightful remarks that were excluded from the book, in a setting that speaks to the core of this masterful biography. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q & A session that will immediately follow Maier’s presentation.

Maier is an award-winning author and investigative journalist for Newsday. His 2009 book, “Masters of Sex,” chronicles the lives of researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson. His other books include “The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings,” “Dr. Spock: An American Life,” and “Newhouse: All the Glitter, Power and Glory of America’s Richest Media Empire and the Secretive Man Behind It.” His latest book, “When Lions Roar: The Churchills and the Kennedys,” will be published this month by The Crown Publishing Group.

A light lunch, catered by Philip Stone, will be served at the Oct. 30 event. Guests will receive a free hard cover copy of the book at the luncheon. Tickets are $75 per person or $65 with an Annual Pass to the Preserve. Also available is a special discount: two tickets and one book for $125, or 105 with Annual Pass.

The luncheon will take place at Castle Gould’s Great Hall. For additional information about and to purchase tickets, see www.TheSandsPointPreserve.com, call 516.571.7901, or visit the Gate House at 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY 11050 open daily.