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John Kennedy: A Political Profile
The authorized biography of John F. Kennedy offers a fresh and candid look at what shaped the man America came to love and admire, just as he was on the cusp of the presidency
Historian, political scientist, and Pulitzer Prize–winning author James MacGregor Burns wrote Roosevelt: The Lion and the Fox , the first volume of his highly acclaimed biography of FDR, in 1956. Two years later, Burns ran for a seat in Congress and became close friends with John F. Kennedy, who was also campaigning throughout the state for reelection to the Senate. After Burns lost his election, he decided to write a biography of JFK. Without any restrictions, Kennedy granted his friend complete access to files, family records, and personal correspondence. The two men spoke at great length in Washington, DC, and at the Kennedy family compound on Cape Cod, and afterwards, Kennedy asked his relatives, friends, and political colleagues to talk openly with Burns as well. The result is a frank, incisive, and compelling portrait of Kennedy from his youth to his service in World War II and his time in Congress.
While many political biographies—especially those of presidential candidates—intend to depict a certain persona, Burns would not allow anything other than his own perception to influence him. And so, John Kennedy concludes questioning whether JFK would make “a commitment not only of mind, but of heart” to the great challenges that lay ahead. (Burns would later admit that his subject did bring both bravery and wisdom to his presidency.) First published just as Kennedy was coming into the national spotlight, this biography gives a straightforward and exciting portrayal of one of the twentieth century’s most important figures.
Historian, political scientist, and Pulitzer Prize–winning author James MacGregor Burns wrote Roosevelt: The Lion and the Fox , the first volume of his highly acclaimed biography of FDR, in 1956. Two years later, Burns ran for a seat in Congress and became close friends with John F. Kennedy, who was also campaigning throughout the state for reelection to the Senate. After Burns lost his election, he decided to write a biography of JFK. Without any restrictions, Kennedy granted his friend complete access to files, family records, and personal correspondence. The two men spoke at great length in Washington, DC, and at the Kennedy family compound on Cape Cod, and afterwards, Kennedy asked his relatives, friends, and political colleagues to talk openly with Burns as well. The result is a frank, incisive, and compelling portrait of Kennedy from his youth to his service in World War II and his time in Congress.
While many political biographies—especially those of presidential candidates—intend to depict a certain persona, Burns would not allow anything other than his own perception to influence him. And so, John Kennedy concludes questioning whether JFK would make “a commitment not only of mind, but of heart” to the great challenges that lay ahead. (Burns would later admit that his subject did bring both bravery and wisdom to his presidency.) First published just as Kennedy was coming into the national spotlight, this biography gives a straightforward and exciting portrayal of one of the twentieth century’s most important figures.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1960
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About the author
James MacGregor Burns
76 books79 followersAn award-winning author of presidential and leadership studies, James MacGregor Burns was the Woodrow Wilson Professor of Government Emeritus at Williams College and Distinguished Leadership Scholar at the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park. He received his bachelor's degree from Williams College and his Ph.D. in political science from Harvard, and he also attended the London School of Economics. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he was past president of the American Political Science Association and the International Society of Political Psychology.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 10, 2021
Amazing book, more so when it was published (mid-1960) than the writting. The author had a first hand account and intimate access to the up and coming presidential candidate. Great perspective without the natural pro-bias that came after his assassination.
November 26, 2022
I just dug this book out of my attic. The authors forward was in November 1959. Thus it is about early JFK.
I like contemporary accounts like this sometimes.
I just skimmed a little but found some of the stuff about Kennedys stance and votes on Sen. Joseph McCarthy pretty interesting.
My Moms family were all Democrats and my Dad was a moderate Republican. I got caught up in the Reagan Revolution and have been a Libertarian leaning right Republican in my adult life, but not doctrinaire. Like I am okay with just destroying our rogue enemies ten times rather than 25x.
I also detested the Patriot Act and losses of personal freedom that came under W.
I just can't find any Democrats that are remotely acceptable alternatives.
I am on a Kennedy Conspiracy jag and I am coming around to the idea that he was going against the powers that be and wanted to pull us out of Nam but was waiting for reelection in 1964. John M Newman's JFK & Vietnam and Patrick Sloyans Deception book are my sources.
I mainly held the Bay of Pigs fiasco strongly against JFK for years because he withheld air support. Looks like according to Fletcher Prouty (saw the video, ex CIA guy maybe shady) the CIA plan was to take out all of the 10 Cuban fighter jets, but 3 were not there to take out. It was these 3 that wreaked havoc, the plan should have been aborted.
Anyway, I don't like a lot of things JFK did but now I think he was a good President. There was shakiness and Deception yes, but there were sharks swimming everywhere around.
I like contemporary accounts like this sometimes.
I just skimmed a little but found some of the stuff about Kennedys stance and votes on Sen. Joseph McCarthy pretty interesting.
My Moms family were all Democrats and my Dad was a moderate Republican. I got caught up in the Reagan Revolution and have been a Libertarian leaning right Republican in my adult life, but not doctrinaire. Like I am okay with just destroying our rogue enemies ten times rather than 25x.
I also detested the Patriot Act and losses of personal freedom that came under W.
I just can't find any Democrats that are remotely acceptable alternatives.
I am on a Kennedy Conspiracy jag and I am coming around to the idea that he was going against the powers that be and wanted to pull us out of Nam but was waiting for reelection in 1964. John M Newman's JFK & Vietnam and Patrick Sloyans Deception book are my sources.
I mainly held the Bay of Pigs fiasco strongly against JFK for years because he withheld air support. Looks like according to Fletcher Prouty (saw the video, ex CIA guy maybe shady) the CIA plan was to take out all of the 10 Cuban fighter jets, but 3 were not there to take out. It was these 3 that wreaked havoc, the plan should have been aborted.
Anyway, I don't like a lot of things JFK did but now I think he was a good President. There was shakiness and Deception yes, but there were sharks swimming everywhere around.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews