Unfinished Life : John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963

by Dallek, Robert

• ISBN13: 9780316172387
• ISBN10: 0316172383
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-05-13
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Summary

An Unfinished Life is the first major, single-volume life of John F. Kennedy to be written by a historian in nearly four decades. Drawing upon previously unavailable material and never-before-opened archives to tell Kennedy's story.We learn for the first time just how sick Kennedy was, what medications he took and concealed from all but a few, and how severely his medical condition affected his actions as President. We learn for the first time the real story of how Bobby was selected as Attorney General. Dallek reveals exactly what Jack's father did to help his election to the presidency, and he follows previously unknown evidence to show what path JFK would have taken in the Vietnam entanglement had he survived.Dallek (LIFTS) JFK out of the gossips and back onto the world stage, showing that while he was the son of privilege, he faced great obstacles and fought on with remarkable courage. Never shying away from Kennedy's weaknesses, Dallek also brilliantly explores his strengths. The result is a portrait of a bold, brave, human Kennedy, once again a hero.

Author Biography

Robert Dallek is currently a professor of history at Boston University.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
PART ONE Growing Up
Beginnings	3	(23)
Privileged Youth	26	(43)
The Terrors of Life	69	(42)
PART TWO Public Service
Choosing Politics	111	(23)
The Congressman	134	(43)
The Senator	177	(52)
PART THREE Can a Catholic Become President?
Nomination	229	(38)
Election	267	(32)
PART FOUR The President
The Torch Is Passed	299	(29)
The Schooling of a President	328	(45)
A World of Troubles	373	(42)
Crisis Manager	415	(27)
Reluctant Warrior	442	(28)
The Limits of Power	470	(34)
Frustrations and ``Botches''	504	(31)
To the Brink --- And Back	535	(40)
New Departures: Domestic Affairs	575	(32)
New Departures: Foreign Affairs	607	(24)
An Unfinished Presidency	631	(72)
Epilogue	703	(10)
Acknowledgments	713	(3)
Sources	716	(1)
Notes	717	(88)
Bibliography	805	(7)
Index	812