Union Jack: JFK's Special Relationship with Great Britain

by Christopher Sandford

John F. Kennedy carried on a lifelong love affair with England and the English. From his speaking style to his tastes in art, architecture, theater, music, and clothes, his personality reflected his deep affinity for a certain kind of idealized Englishness. In Union Jack, noted biographer Christopher Sandford tracks Kennedy’s exploits in Great Britain between 1935 and 1963, and looks in-depth at the unique way Britain shaped JFK throughout his adult life and how JFK charmed British society.

This mutual affinity took place against a backdrop of some of the twentieth century’s most profound The Great Depression, Britain’s appeasement of Hitler, the Second World War, the reconstruction of Western Europe, the development and rapid proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the ideological schism between East and West. Based on extensive archival work as well as firsthand accounts from former British acquaintances, including old girlfriends, Union Jack charts two paths in the life of JFK. The first is his deliberate, long-term struggle to escape the shadow of his father, Joseph Kennedy, former U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain. The second is the emergence of a peculiarly American personality whose consistently pro-British, rallying rhetoric was rivaled only by Winston Churchill. By explaining JFK’s special relationship with Great Britain, Union Jack offers a unique and enduring portrait of another side of this historic figure in the centennial year of his birth.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published June 6, 2017

About the author

Christopher Sandford has published acclaimed biographies of Kurt Cobain, Steve McQueen, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, and Roman Polanski. He has worked as a film and music writer and reviewer for over 20 years and frequently contributes to newspapers and magazines on both sides of the Atlantic. Rolling Stone has called him "the preeminent author in his field today."

His latest project, MASTERS OF MYSTERY (forthcoming November 2011, Palgrave Macmillan) explores Arthur Conan Doyle's and Harry Houdini's incredible friendship and fascination with Spiritualism.

Reviews

[Conor O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a John Kennedy aficionado and Kennedy admirer in general, I found this book's topic and argument extremely intriguing. This is one of a President and a man that had a real friendship and affection for the British way of life and the people as well. He admired Winston Churchill, was close friends with a British Prime Minister Henry Macmillan, had a sister married to a British lord and a friendship with a British ambassador. All of this while having an Irish heritage is curious but understandable. Kennedy traveled the world and Europe as an expert and found Britain to be a land of heroes and statesmen. As President, he redefined our relationship with Britain not just as an ally but the best ally we could have and this remains true today. Kennedy not only respected Britain, he immersed himself and educated himself from politics to high society. It is an interesting book that provides a side of Kennedy maybe not all Kennedy fans would get to see. Would recommend.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a unique addition to the massive library of books that have been written on JFK. This book examines one of the defining relationships of his life: that with Great Britain. Overall, the book is interesting. It begins with JFK's life in England when his father was the American ambassador. The friendships he made then, hugely impacted his relations with Britain when he was president. Of particular interest is the special relationship with the prime minister Harold Macmillan. It's intriguing to watch the two men navigate the heady waters of Communism in Germany and the Cuban Missile Crisis together. The book also draws heavily from the memories of Deborah Mitford, Duchess of Devonshire, who was the sister-in-law of JFK's sister Kathleen. Among the drawbacks of the book were, for me, the graphic depiction of JFK's sexual relationships, especially in his younger days, which make no difference to the relationship with Great Britain. Indeed, they could have been omitted altogether. The editing in the index could also have used some work. Queen Elizabeth II is identified as Elizabeth (II), the Queen Mother. Two different people. All in all, it was relatively easy reading and was at least something new in all of the books written about JFK.

[Pete daPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hats off to Christopher Sandford. Among the myriad of JFK books scrutinising his biography, his family, his naval service, his political journey through the houses of Representatives and Congress to the White House and his killing in Dallas, 'Union Jack', published 2017, offers a wholly unique perspective of the man and his time in office.
Introducing a veritable and measured account of JFK's many links with England, social, political and cultural that culminated in his 'special relationship' with Great Britain. I have discovered much that offers fresh perspective on his presidency through the authors research.

[Exapno Mapcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

As all books about John F. Kennedy have come to have a specialized look an aspect of JFK’s personality, Christopher Sandford focuses on his relationship with the United Kingdom. He gives a very detailed and honest look at the relationship throughout Kennedy’s life from his youth to his presidency.

Free review copy.