John F. Kennedy and a New Generation

Library of American Biography

by David Burner

In this biography, David Burner explores the controversies, successes, and failures in the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy--and how he shaped the modern American consciousness. Burner discusses John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) as both an individual and a leader, allowing the reader to examine the changes that took place in the American political and social systems as reflected in the hopeful days of Kennedy's “Camelot.” Paperback, brief, and inexpensive, each of the titles in the “Library of American Biography” series focuses on a figure whose actions and ideas significantly influenced the course of American history and national life. In addition, each biography relates the life of its subject to the broader themes and developments of the times.

Genres: History

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

A specialist in 20th century American history, David Burner taught at the State University of New York. A graduate of Hamilton College, he earned Ph.D. at Columbia University in 1965 and later founded the Brandywine Press.

Reviews

[Andrei Tamaş · Rating 3 out of 5]

E vorba de un obiectivism dus la extrem ce se apropie de ridicol si, desi e o biografie "stiintifica", pastreaza o extravaganta doza de monotonie care nu-l pune pe Kennedy intr-o lumina prea buna, descriindu-i mai mult tineretea decat "mersul" sau pe scena politica, ceea ce nu corespunde deloc cu titlul cartii...

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is meant for the classroom setting and doesn’t include citations. Burner essentially goes down on Kennedy and tells him everything he would like to hear. From the contradicting theses to not including very important pieces of evidence, Burner strategically attempts to paint Kennedy as a symbol of reform. He covers up Kennedy’s insecurities and indecision as calculated measures (without basis or merit). I do not think this book is representative of Kennedy’s presidency nor what the Camelot looked like.