Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy

Jacqueline Kennedy

Non-Fiction History Biography Memoir Audiobook

Quick Take

To mark John F. Kennedy's centennial, celebrate the life and legacy of the 35th President of the United States. In 1964, Jacqueline Kennedy recorded seven historic interviews about her life with John F. Kennedy. Now, for the first time, they can be read in this deluxe, illustrated eBook.Shortly after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, with a nation deep in mourning and the world looking on in stunned disbelief, Jacqueline Kennedy found the strength to set aside her own personal grief for the sake of posterity and begin the task of documenting and preserving her husband's legacy. In January of 1964, she and Robert F. Kennedy approved a planned oral-history project that would capture their first-hand accounts of the late President as well as the recollections of those closest to him throughout his extraordinary political career. For the rest of her life, the famously private Jacqueline Kennedy steadfastly refused to discuss her memories of those years, but beginning that March, she fulfilled her obligation to future generations of Americans by sitting down with historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and recording an astonishingly detailed and unvarnished account of her experiences and impressions as the wife and confidante of John F. Kennedy. The tapes of those sessions were then sealed and later deposited in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum upon its completion, in accordance with Mrs. Kennedy's wishes.The resulting eight and a half hours of material comprises a unique and compelling record of a tumultuous era, providing fresh insights on the many significant people and events that shaped JFK's presidency but also shedding new light on the man behind the momentous decisions. Here are JFK's unscripted opinions on a host of revealing subjects, including his thoughts and feelings about his brothers Robert and Ted, and his take on world leaders past and present, giving us perhaps the most informed, genuine, and immediate portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy we shall ever have. Mrs. Kennedy's urbane perspective, her candor, and her flashes of wit also give us our clearest glimpse into the active mind of a remarkable First Lady.In conjunction with the fiftieth anniversary of President Kennedy's Inauguration, Caroline Kennedy and the Kennedy family are now releasing these beautifully restored recordings on CDs with accompanying transcripts. Introduced and annotated by renowned presidential historian Michael Beschloss, these interviews will add an exciting new dimension to our understanding and appreciation of President Kennedy and his time and make the past come alive through the words and voice of an eloquent eyewitness to history.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy

Introduction

"Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy" is a book that offers a unique and intimate look into the life of Jacqueline Kennedy, the former First Lady of the United States. Written by Jacqueline Kennedy herself, the book provides a detailed account of her experiences and impressions as the wife and confidante of President John F. Kennedy. In this article, we will delve into the book's content, analyze readers' views, and explore the reasons why this book is recommended or not recommended.

About Jacqueline Kennedy

Jacqueline Kennedy, born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, was an American socialite, fashion icon, and First Lady of the United States from 1961 until her husband's assassination in 1963. She was known for her elegance, style, and cultural contributions during her husband's presidency. In addition to her role as First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy was also a book editor and author. She published several books, including "On the Other Hand," which explored her experiences as a wife and mother.

Analysis of Views

Personal Reflections: Readers appreciate the personal nature of the book, as it provides a glimpse into the life of Jacqueline Kennedy and her experiences during her husband's presidency. They find it fascinating to hear her thoughts on various subjects, including politics, personal relationships, and her husband's character.
Historical Significance: The book is considered significant for its historical value. It offers a unique perspective on the Kennedy era and provides insights into the political landscape of the time. Readers appreciate the historical context and find it enlightening to understand the events and decisions that shaped President Kennedy's presidency.
Intellectual Depth: Jacqueline Kennedy is known for her intelligence and wit, and readers find her reflections on various subjects thought-provoking. They appreciate her ability to analyze situations and provide insightful commentary on political figures, events, and issues.
Personal Opinions: While some readers find Jacqueline Kennedy's opinions on certain subjects controversial or unflattering, others appreciate her honesty and candor. They believe that her frank views add depth to the book and provide a more authentic portrayal of the events and people she encountered during her husband's presidency.
Nostalgia: For those who lived through the Kennedy era, the book evokes a sense of nostalgia and brings back memories of a bygone era. They appreciate the opportunity to revisit history through the eyes of someone who lived it firsthand.

Reasons for Recommendation

Personal Insight: The book offers a unique perspective on the life of Jacqueline Kennedy and provides readers with personal insights into her experiences as a First Lady. It offers a glimpse into the private world of one of America's most iconic couples.
Historical Significance: The book is significant for its historical value and provides insights into the political landscape of the Kennedy era. It offers a fresh perspective on key events and figures from that time period.
Intellectual Depth: Jacqueline Kennedy's reflections on various subjects demonstrate her intelligence and wit, making the book an engaging read for those interested in politics, history, and cultural commentary.
Nostalgia: For those who lived through the Kennedy era, the book serves as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. It offers an opportunity to revisit history through the eyes of someone who lived it firsthand.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Scope: Some readers feel that the book's scope is limited, focusing primarily on Jacqueline Kennedy's personal experiences rather than providing a broader overview of political events or historical context. They believe that it could have benefited from more depth in terms of analysis and contextualization.
Controversial Opinions: Jacqueline Kennedy's opinions on certain subjects, particularly those related to political figures or events, have been criticized by some readers as controversial or unflattering. They feel that her frank views may be off-putting to some readers who prefer a more neutral or flattering portrayal of historical figures.

Conclusion

"Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy" is a book that offers a unique perspective on the life of Jacqueline Kennedy and provides insights into the political landscape of the Kennedy era. While some readers appreciate its personal nature and historical significance, others find it limited in scope and controversial in its opinions. Overall, those interested in politics, history, and cultural commentary may find this book engaging and enlightening.