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JFK

Volume 1: John F Kennedy: 1917-1956
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( 2,882 ratings, 395 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
JFK by Fredrik Logevall explores the life of John F. Kennedy, from his early years to his rise in American politics. The book delves into his personal and political development, providing insights into his family background, education, and the events that shaped his character and career. It paints a detailed portrait of JFK's journey leading up to his presidency.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you're fascinated by American history, enjoy detailed biographies, and have an interest in the life and times of John F. Kennedy. This book delves deep into his journey from his early years to his political ascent, offering rich historical context and personal insights.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The definitive biography of John F. Kennedy, JFK by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall, immerses readers in the enthralling journey of one of the most captivating figures in modern history. This monumental work, described as "the most compelling biography I have read in years” by Max Hastings, meticulously unfolds Kennedy's story starting from his birth in 1917 to his political ascension and beyond. Born into an ambitious Irish American family that would become one of Boston's wealthiest, Kennedy was no stranger to the world of high aspirations and political ambition. His meteoric rise culminated in his election as the youngest president of the United States, solidifying his place as a global icon.

By the time of his tragic assassination in 1963, Kennedy had established himself at the helm of the greatest power the world had ever seen. Beckoned by a gap in historical knowledge and the desire to tease out the 'real' John F. Kennedy, Harvard professor Fredrik Logevall embarked on a decade-long quest to scour through material previously unseen or unused by other biographers. The result is nothing short of a masterpiece that many reviews agree will serve as the definitive biography of JFK.

This first volume of a sweeping two-part biography spans the first thirty-nine years of Kennedy’s life, delving into the early relationships that shaped him, his heroic experiences during World War II, and his profoundly fascinating romance with Jackie Kennedy. With a novelistic sensibility and authoritative command, Logevall brings to life the pre-White House years of Kennedy’s extraordinary life, portraying his formative years with striking clarity.

The author places the reader in every pertinent room, chronicling the moments and relationships that paved the way for Kennedy's ascendency. This landmark work is more than just a biography; it is the clearest portrait available of a man whose life still resonates and inspires people around the globe. Logevall’s JFK captivates, informs, and sheds new light on one of history's most enduring figures, making it an essential read for anyone fascinated by the life and times of John F. Kennedy.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Fredrik Logevall's JFK is hailed as a compelling and essential biography, praised for its detailed and vivid portrayal of John F. Kennedy's life. Reviews consider it a definitive account, with accolades highlighting its readability and insightful narrative. The biography's depth and engaging nature make it as if one is learning about JFK for the first time.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241972014

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 44.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 585g

Pages: 816

About the Author

Fredrik Logevall is the Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School and Professor of History at Harvard University. A specialist on US foreign relations history and modern international history, he was previously the Anbinder Professor of History at Cornell University. Before that he taught at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he co-founded the Center for Cold War Studies. Logevall is the author or editor of ten books, including Embers of War, which won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for History and the 2013 Francis Parkman Prize, as well as the 2013 American Library in Paris Book Award and the 2013 Arthur Ross Book Award from the Council on Foreign Relations.

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