JFK: A Vision for America

by Stephen Kennedy Smith, Douglas Brinkley

Poetry and Power brings together in one volume John F. Kennedy’s greatest speeches alongside essays by America’s top historians, analysis from leading political thinkers, and personal insights from preeminent writers and artists. Here is JFK at his best—thought-provoking, inspiring, eloquent, and wise—on a number of wide ranging topics, including civil rights, the race to the moon, the environment, immigration, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and much more. Poetry and Power demonstrates the deep relevance of his words today and his lasting power and influence as an outstanding American leader and orator.

Elegantly designed and enriched by more than a hundred photographs and facsimiles of Kennedy’s marginalia on drafts of speeches, his notes from important meetings, letters, and other fascinating documents, Poetry and Power is major contribution to American history.

Genres: History, Politics, Presidents, Nonfiction, American History

496 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[Ed Grimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful example of how history teaches, and should remind. Highly appropriate quotation of John Buchan from Montrose: No great cause is ever lost or won, the battle must always be rejoined and the creed restated, and the old formulas, once so potent a revelation, become only dim antiquarian echoes. JFK speeches display a logic blended with passionate optimism and confidence in the better angels of flawed persons. They test well against contemporary, seemingly timeless political and human problems. Revisiting his ideas, or an initial acquaintance, are presented in a coherent, flowing editing of speeches and commentary

[Lynn Alan Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic look into the Kennedy era. One thing that really stuck in my mind was the how in 1960 Americans feared the election of a Catholic to the Presidency thinking he might create a state religion. JFK was dedicated to the first amendment more so than we are now as a nation. Since September 11, 2001 we have allowed fear to usurp the a pure first amendment - as pertains to religious freedom.

[Ariadna73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of interesting photographs extracted from the life of this very privileged man. When he was just starting his political career, he had access to a very luxurious private plane that would take him to any place where he happened to need to go. This is a tremendous advantage over other politicians.

According to this book, he lived the life of a millionaire; never being able even to imagine how is it to be poor. But he, at some theoretical level knew that poverty was not a very good thing; so he aimed to fight against it. And many of his speeches contained that plead for the ultimate goal.

His kids and all his family up and down were and continue to be very wealthy. None of those family members have a clue of what is it like to be a normal average American person.

The book contains several of the President's speeches, and some commentary from important actors, such as the 14th Dalai Lama and David McCullough; and many more.

 Even after death, he continues to enjoy a life of privilege. Even after death, he will never know what is it to be an economically average person. 

It is somehow interesting to peek into one life as far away as ours as that of any martian or venusian. 

Nice pictures if there is nothing else to look at ;-)

I also have a blog! Here is the link: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more substantial of the many tributes which have surged forth to mark the JFK centenary is the present, more or less chronologic, compilation dedicated to JFK’s life and thought. Particularly welcome are the more than 700 photographs, many of which are less familiar to us. But the real strength of present tome resides in the texts of some thirty speeches given by JFK, both the well-known and not so well-known. Likewise the reflections and appreciations by political figures, historians, journalists, and various luminaries.

It seems JFK knew full well the power of words, and his speeches included herein, with their well considered content and keen grasp of history, further reinforce his status as one of the few Twentieth Century presidents who might be considered an intellectual. The present volume, along with Let Every Nation Know: John F. Kennedy in His Own Words, by Robert Dallek and Terry Golway, provide an admirable window into JFK’s thinking and political worldview as described in his own words.

The book then is an eloquent and ambitious testimonial to an inspiring if still enigmatic figure. Its high gloss finish and admirable content portray JFK in most positive light, mostly through its well chosen text.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

- JFK was born a mediocre student (with a C+ average), sick often, well read not in political science but rather often in stories. Growing up he much more inspire to be a writer than a politician

- JFK's father is the prime example of helicopter parent: his own political career ruined, already the wealthiest person in the US, he wants his children to fulfill his dream: the older brother of JFK was supposed to be the politician of the family, however sadly he was killed during the war, thus JFK became a successor

- JFK's marriage to Jackie was not a fairytale story, but rather a match: Jackie herself was a socialite. Well educated, with an ambition of her own

[Aloysius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally liked Kennedy as a historical figure, but dang, I didn't realize the breadth of the topics he covered in the speeches of his public career! From foreign policy to civil rights, and from economics to the environment, the words of a man who whose life was cut short almost 60 years ago continues to resonate with us today.

[Sam Motes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring collection of speeches by Kennedy with input from great thinkers of today that puts the speeches in context as well as firmly embed them in the discussion of the events of today.

[R. David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the read even though it was heavily tilted as praise for JFK. I doubt there is any question that he did have a large part in spreading the gate wide for the liberal agenda.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

JFK's speeches interspersed with varied commentators, arranged to showcase his views and how they would translate to today's world.

[Sister M.]

Finished and it was very good!