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Let the Word Go Forth: The Speeches, Statements, and Writings of John F. Kennedy 1947 to 1963
In his own words—JFK at his wisest, wittiest, and most eloquent
In one volume, the writings and speeches of John F. Kennedy reveal a man and President and portray an era as no historian or biographer could. Here are the words that propelled a nation and moved the world. From the best-remembered speeches (“And so, my fellow ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country”) to the one never delivered that fateful day in Dallas (“. . . words alone are not enough”), longtime Kennedy adviser and key White House aide Theodore Sorensen has put together speeches, important letters, debates, TV and radio interviews, State of the Union addresses, and even impromptu responses during new conferences. The result is an illuminating, moving portrayal of Kennedy’s political career and of the provocative, important ideas that inspired a generation and challenged a country’s conscience as no President before or since has done.
Praise for Let the Word Go Forth
“The best one-volume collection of the . . . magical eloquence of the Kennedy era . . . an indispensable reference.” — The Houston Chronicle
“The words ring . . . A must for all who remember modern Camelot and its leader, President John F. Kennedy.” — Charleston Evening Post
“[Sorensen’s] selections from more than 110 speeches and writings reflect the importance of historical insights in Kennedy’s thoughts and actions.” — St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Lovingly put together . . . Sorensen has seen fit to include the unusual as well as the expected.” — The Indianapolis Star
In one volume, the writings and speeches of John F. Kennedy reveal a man and President and portray an era as no historian or biographer could. Here are the words that propelled a nation and moved the world. From the best-remembered speeches (“And so, my fellow ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country”) to the one never delivered that fateful day in Dallas (“. . . words alone are not enough”), longtime Kennedy adviser and key White House aide Theodore Sorensen has put together speeches, important letters, debates, TV and radio interviews, State of the Union addresses, and even impromptu responses during new conferences. The result is an illuminating, moving portrayal of Kennedy’s political career and of the provocative, important ideas that inspired a generation and challenged a country’s conscience as no President before or since has done.
Praise for Let the Word Go Forth
“The best one-volume collection of the . . . magical eloquence of the Kennedy era . . . an indispensable reference.” — The Houston Chronicle
“The words ring . . . A must for all who remember modern Camelot and its leader, President John F. Kennedy.” — Charleston Evening Post
“[Sorensen’s] selections from more than 110 speeches and writings reflect the importance of historical insights in Kennedy’s thoughts and actions.” — St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Lovingly put together . . . Sorensen has seen fit to include the unusual as well as the expected.” — The Indianapolis Star
448 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1988
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About the author
Theodore C. Sorensen
26 books26 followersTheodore Chaiken "Ted" Sorensen was best known as President John F. Kennedy's special counsel, advisor, and speechwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 2, 2014
What inspiring and beautiful writings of John F Kennedy during his campaign years and his short presidency. He inspired a nation and a future generation to reach for the stars to shaped a nation to take action in shaping what it means to be an American. He valued democracy in every sense of the word and tried to live up to his undying legend of being one of the most beloved presidents of our time.
Every time I read this book it give me chills because in some sense I feel we have lost the essence of a lost generation who changed history because of what really matter how to shape American in what we truly believed in and did something about it.
Today's generation does not engage as much as one did in the early earlier decades. Our nation at one time came together during war, cultural differences, new endeavors like the space age and solidifying ever changing the values of family.
I recommend this book for inspiration and a comparison to how our current and past presidents were able to sway and believe in an incredible nation of constant change and new frontiers.
Every time I read this book it give me chills because in some sense I feel we have lost the essence of a lost generation who changed history because of what really matter how to shape American in what we truly believed in and did something about it.
Today's generation does not engage as much as one did in the early earlier decades. Our nation at one time came together during war, cultural differences, new endeavors like the space age and solidifying ever changing the values of family.
I recommend this book for inspiration and a comparison to how our current and past presidents were able to sway and believe in an incredible nation of constant change and new frontiers.
October 6, 2014
I've been on a speech writing reading kick. No matter your leaning it's wonderful to read history....or hear via audible....
October 24, 2019
JFK was one of my favorite POTUS. His speeches, to this day, still inspires me. Sadly, his poetic speeches are sorely lacking in our political discourse. And this is from both our parties. I highly recommend reading this book.
February 12, 2017
Broken out by topic, it's a great compendium of speeches and writing from an eloquent communicator.
January 19, 2008
It's fun to read them in that Massachussetts accent.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews