Posthumous Release of Ted Kennedy Memoir

The late Senator Edward Kennedy candidly speaks of the demons that contributed to his long and fascinating life and political career. Read on for excerpts prior to the book's publication.

In his 532-page memoir titled "True Compass," already obtained by the New York Times, Kennedy opens up about his remorse for the infamous Chappaquiddick car accident in 1969. He calls his leaving the scene of the accident "inexcusable" and admits he lived with guilt associated with it for decades to follow. On July 18, 1969, Kennedy drove a car off a bridge into a pond. He swam to safety, leaving Mary Jo Kopechne in the car to drown. She was found 10 hours later.

The life of Kennedy has been marked by many family tragedies including the assassination of his brother, President John F. Kennedy, in 1963. Following the investigation, he had a full briefing by Earl Warren, the chief justice, and says he "was satisfied then, and satisfied now."