From the back cover:
"This is a book about Courage and Patriotism. It tells the dramatic stories of a number of American politicians of various political and regional allegiances whoes one overriding loyalty was to the United States and to the right as God gave them to see it. They range from born aristocrats to self-made men. Some are well-known, some almost fogotten. But all of them, in the face of dreadful consequences, exhibited a special kind of greatness. These stories about them remind us sharply that there is, in addition to a courage with which men die, a courage by which men must live."
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Roseann S.
This is the very same edition I bought and read in the early 1960's (while JFK was still alive). Note the 50 cent price, yes, youngsters books were that low priced in those days. I enjoyed it then and enjoy it now when I dig it out of my library to reread. Stories of great Americans who had the moral courage to stand up for their convictions. Should be an inspiration to us all. There had been a television series based on the stories in the book. I wish they would bring that back and update it with new stories. I am sure there have been a lot of courageous Americans since then.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By K.A.Goldberg
This memorable book by then-U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy examines seven Senators from U.S. history who risked their popularity with courageous but unpopular stands of principal. In each case the Senators faced bitter criticism from their constiuents, the press in their home states, even their friends and colleagues. The seven Senators were John Quincy Adams (opposing a trade embargo in 1807), Daniel Webster (supporting the Compromise of 1850) Thomas Hart Benton (opposing slavery expansion), Sam Houston (opposing Texas Secession in 1861), Edward Ross (refusing to convict President Andrew Johnson in 1868), plus Lucius Lamar, George Norris, and Robert Taft. Readers learn about the pressure and challenges Senators face for voting contrary to the wishes of many of their constituents. The author doesn't necessarily claim that each of those lonely stands was the correct one; merely that they were stands taken by brave men of conscience for reasons they beleived in. Readers can make up their own minds as to the correctness of those stands. We might also add that in several (but not all) cases many bitter opponents came to admire and even agree with the unpopular stands the Senators took.
Senator John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) penned these pages in the mid-1950's while recovering from surgery. The book won the 1957 Pulitizer Prize, and aided Kennedy's successful run for the Presidency in 1960. In later years some claimed that the real author of this memorable book wasn't John F. Kennedy but his wife, his secretary, or his speech writer Ted Sorenson. While we may never know for certain, this inspiring and readable book about political controversy in a democratic nation is well worth your time.
Senator John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) penned these pages in the mid-1950's while recovering from surgery. The book won the 1957 Pulitizer Prize, and aided Kennedy's successful run for the Presidency in 1960. In later years some claimed that the real author of this memorable book wasn't John F. Kennedy but his wife, his secretary, or his speech writer Ted Sorenson. While we may never know for certain, this inspiring and readable book about political controversy in a democratic nation is well worth your time.
By Komodo
This book was shipped to me in excellent shape and before they said it would arrive. Since the book was written the 50s the examples of political courage are historical rather than contemporary. However, After reading it it could make you stop and think about more examples. Hopefully it is required reading for new political science classes as it by-passes the partisan rhetoric of the 21 century!
Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy
This 1956 book was a best-seller in its era. I read it then and wondered about its praise of politicians who voted against the wishes of their voters; it seems basically anti-democratic. I'm not talking about adherence to the laws when popular emotion say otherwise. Historian Allan Nevins wrote the `Forward'. This book was written while convalescing from a spinal operation in 1954. The `Preface' thanks all those who helped the author. Should a Senator vote for his state's interests of for the "national interest"? Yes. The national interest is composed of the total of state interests (unless it's a code word for the Ruling Class). Rule by a committee is rule by compromise. Practical experience says multiple viewpoints are important in evaluating any proposal to avoid overlooking facts.
Senator John Quincy Adams voted for Jefferson's Purchase of Louisiana, the only Federalist to do so. He also objected to impressment of seamen and appeasement of the British. He voted for the Embargo Act which damaged the economy of New England. The Massachusetts Legislature elected his replacement while Adams was still in the Senate. Daniel Webster's Seventh of March speech helped to preserve the Union in 1850. Postponing secession by ten years saved the Union. But many in the North attacked him. Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri supported the Union against Secessionists although this led to his defeat. Benton's advice kept Missouri in the Union after his death. Senator Sam Houston of Texas also voted against the Kansas-Nebraska Bill and was also defeated. Senator Edmund G. Ross cast the decisive vote to prevent the Impeachment of President Andrew Johnson to firing the Secretary of War. It was to preserve the independence of the executive office.... Read more ›
This 1956 book was a best-seller in its era. I read it then and wondered about its praise of politicians who voted against the wishes of their voters; it seems basically anti-democratic. I'm not talking about adherence to the laws when popular emotion say otherwise. Historian Allan Nevins wrote the `Forward'. This book was written while convalescing from a spinal operation in 1954. The `Preface' thanks all those who helped the author. Should a Senator vote for his state's interests of for the "national interest"? Yes. The national interest is composed of the total of state interests (unless it's a code word for the Ruling Class). Rule by a committee is rule by compromise. Practical experience says multiple viewpoints are important in evaluating any proposal to avoid overlooking facts.
Senator John Quincy Adams voted for Jefferson's Purchase of Louisiana, the only Federalist to do so. He also objected to impressment of seamen and appeasement of the British. He voted for the Embargo Act which damaged the economy of New England. The Massachusetts Legislature elected his replacement while Adams was still in the Senate. Daniel Webster's Seventh of March speech helped to preserve the Union in 1850. Postponing secession by ten years saved the Union. But many in the North attacked him. Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri supported the Union against Secessionists although this led to his defeat. Benton's advice kept Missouri in the Union after his death. Senator Sam Houston of Texas also voted against the Kansas-Nebraska Bill and was also defeated. Senator Edmund G. Ross cast the decisive vote to prevent the Impeachment of President Andrew Johnson to firing the Secretary of War. It was to preserve the independence of the executive office.... Read more ›
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By L. King
Amazon Verified Purchase
great read, integrity taught in youth, is a great asset, read this book, love, peace, and nurse,
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By SeChap01
Amazon Verified Purchase
I needed this for my class, and I recieved it quickly and in great condition.
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By cowboy
Amazon Verified Purchase
Very disappointed with the condition of this paperback.
if it were not so much hassle i would return it!
I'll be more selective in the future.
if it were not so much hassle i would return it!
I'll be more selective in the future.
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