As special assistant to the president, Arthur Schlesinger witnessed firsthand the politics and personalities that influenced the now legendary Kennedy administration. Schlesinger’s close relationship with JFK, as a politician and as a friend, has resulted in this authoritative yet intimate account in which the president “walks through the pages, from first to last, alert, alive, amused and amusing” (John Kenneth Galbraith). A THOUSAND DAYS is “at once a masterly literary achievement and a work of major historical significance” (New York Times).
A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House
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From the Publisher
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.'s A THOUSAND DAYS: John F. Kennedy in the White House
has a very special meaning for me. In 1960, I was in the crowd on 39th St. and Broadway, in
The Garment Center in New York City, when Kennedy, his voice hoarse from relentless campaigning, addressed the crowd about his vision of a new America and a new generation taking charge.
As an important member of the Kennedy circle, a man who had Kennedy's ear, Schlesinger draws an unforgettable portrait of the man who captured the imagination and the hopes of people, not just in America, but all over the world. Standing in that crowd on 39th St., it was easy for me to believe that this man, seasoned by his experiences in World War II, his vision shaped by a knowledge of history and America's place in it, would not be beholden to the customs and beliefs of the leaders born in earlier generations.
Schlesinger makes this point emphatically. Kennedy was born later then Adlai Stevenson and later then Lyndon Johnson. Kennedy really believed, and communicated this belief eloquently, that men and women of his generation could really make a difference. Schlesinger's focus in A THOUSAND DAYS is the Kennedy Administration's role in foreign affairs. Even with that focus, what emerges is Kennedy's refreshing escape from the conventions of previous politicians. Kennedy's choice of Douglas Dillon as Secretary of the Treasury, was a choice that Schlesinger himself originally opposed. Kennedy chose Dillon because he thought he was the best man for the job, not because of his particular political persuasion. Shlesinger remarks that Nixon might have made Dillon his appointment had he won the election.
Kennedy's confrontations with Khrushchev, The Cuban Missile Crisis, the South American venture, the Alliance for Progress are presented clearly and convincingly.
We will never know what direction this country, or the world would have taken, had John Kennedy been granted another term in office. Surely, he would have learned from his mistakes, which Schlesinger reveals. The Kennedy imagination, intellect, and belief that his administration could really do something to make the world a better place will live with all of us as long as we live.
Another important record of this moment in history is David Halberstam's THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST, available in a Fawcett Columbine paperback edition.
George Davidson, Director of Production, The Ballantine Publishing Group --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
has a very special meaning for me. In 1960, I was in the crowd on 39th St. and Broadway, in
The Garment Center in New York City, when Kennedy, his voice hoarse from relentless campaigning, addressed the crowd about his vision of a new America and a new generation taking charge.
As an important member of the Kennedy circle, a man who had Kennedy's ear, Schlesinger draws an unforgettable portrait of the man who captured the imagination and the hopes of people, not just in America, but all over the world. Standing in that crowd on 39th St., it was easy for me to believe that this man, seasoned by his experiences in World War II, his vision shaped by a knowledge of history and America's place in it, would not be beholden to the customs and beliefs of the leaders born in earlier generations.
Schlesinger makes this point emphatically. Kennedy was born later then Adlai Stevenson and later then Lyndon Johnson. Kennedy really believed, and communicated this belief eloquently, that men and women of his generation could really make a difference. Schlesinger's focus in A THOUSAND DAYS is the Kennedy Administration's role in foreign affairs. Even with that focus, what emerges is Kennedy's refreshing escape from the conventions of previous politicians. Kennedy's choice of Douglas Dillon as Secretary of the Treasury, was a choice that Schlesinger himself originally opposed. Kennedy chose Dillon because he thought he was the best man for the job, not because of his particular political persuasion. Shlesinger remarks that Nixon might have made Dillon his appointment had he won the election.
Kennedy's confrontations with Khrushchev, The Cuban Missile Crisis, the South American venture, the Alliance for Progress are presented clearly and convincingly.
We will never know what direction this country, or the world would have taken, had John Kennedy been granted another term in office. Surely, he would have learned from his mistakes, which Schlesinger reveals. The Kennedy imagination, intellect, and belief that his administration could really do something to make the world a better place will live with all of us as long as we live.
Another important record of this moment in history is David Halberstam's THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST, available in a Fawcett Columbine paperback edition.
George Davidson, Director of Production, The Ballantine Publishing Group --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Inside Flap
"Of all the Kennedy books . . . this is the best." Time Magazine
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, this is the classic study of the presidency of John F. Kennedy as told by a master historian who had the advantage of personally witnessing the great and tragic events of which he writes. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, this is the classic study of the presidency of John F. Kennedy as told by a master historian who had the advantage of personally witnessing the great and tragic events of which he writes. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By Thomas Veil
Format:Hardcover
The value of A Thousand Days is self-apparent to anyone who has ever attempted to seriously examine the Kennedy administration.
Arthur Schlesinger Jr., with an undeniably skilled pen and an exhaustive eye for detail, compiled one of the most thorough accounts of the Kennedy administration. I don't see how it could be that surprising, at this point in time, that participants in an administration generally tend to write books that view their president in a favorable light. Is anyone really that shocked?
Did he take an interest in JFK's love life or other prurient topics? No. Did he seek to write a definitive evaluation of the president? No. Schlesinger is honest - he is writing by and large as a participant and an observer and the value of this account is that it captures the outlook and motivations of the administration. He left it to other authors to write more critical accounts - the value his book holds comes from the personal observations he makes throughout it.
You don't have to like Kennedy to find this book valuable. Plenty of people critical of the Kennedy administration have studied this book carefully. Its value as a firsthand account of the administration is self-apparent. If it happens to challenge the Limbaugh right's view of JFK . . . well, oh well. The rest of us can approach this book with care and real interest, allow for natural instances of human bias, and still come away better informed for the effort.
Arthur Schlesinger Jr., with an undeniably skilled pen and an exhaustive eye for detail, compiled one of the most thorough accounts of the Kennedy administration. I don't see how it could be that surprising, at this point in time, that participants in an administration generally tend to write books that view their president in a favorable light. Is anyone really that shocked?
Did he take an interest in JFK's love life or other prurient topics? No. Did he seek to write a definitive evaluation of the president? No. Schlesinger is honest - he is writing by and large as a participant and an observer and the value of this account is that it captures the outlook and motivations of the administration. He left it to other authors to write more critical accounts - the value his book holds comes from the personal observations he makes throughout it.
You don't have to like Kennedy to find this book valuable. Plenty of people critical of the Kennedy administration have studied this book carefully. Its value as a firsthand account of the administration is self-apparent. If it happens to challenge the Limbaugh right's view of JFK . . . well, oh well. The rest of us can approach this book with care and real interest, allow for natural instances of human bias, and still come away better informed for the effort.
29 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By CA Smith
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Mr. Schlesinger treats the Kennedy Administration in a time before Kennedy bashing was fashionable. He is certainly biased in the other direction; however, with all the negative information coming out recently, this is a good counterweight. There is much information and much insight, despite a slant. The inner workings of the Administartion become clear, and we are spared the stifling obsession with the President's personal life we often face in more recent accounts. We hear from a man who was intimately involved with the events he describes. Mr. Schlesinger does tend to see the positive side of events, but this does not prevent him from admitting his and others' mistakes. This is the definitive Kennedy history.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is one of the most thorough firsthand accounts of the Kennedy administration and takes an almost exhaustive look at many of the things that occurred during the administration. While some of the conclusions have been tempered with history and new evidence coming to light (particularly on the Bay of Pigs and the Civil Rights record) this is still considered the definitive book on the Kennedy years in the white house and should deserve that distinction. Schlesinger who served as a special advisor to the president (much like Ken O'Donnell of Thirteen Days fame) provides a unique view to a complicated man, politician, and president. Kennedy offered hope to a generation of Americans and by extension to many people of the world. He was firm yet promised compassion through his negotiations with the Soviets, Peace Corps and commitment to Civil Rights.
While there are a few points in the book where Schlesinger props up his own importance at a particular point and digresses for about 50 pages or so the remainder of the book is very spot on with what was occurring, why decisions were made and what the effects of those decisions were. Sadly Schlesinger was not as involved in the Executive Committee (Ex-Com) as other special assistants were so much of what has happened at that point was not related in this book and the role that the committee played is kept to almost a minimum. I will point out that even as a Republican I found the book fair and while lacking in detail at some points it is still the most complete work that is published on Kennedy and to those who claim bias: the man worked in the Kennedy administration so take that bias into account as you read and enjoy a firsthand look at a complicated presidency and pivotal point in American history. Overall well worth the time to read.
While there are a few points in the book where Schlesinger props up his own importance at a particular point and digresses for about 50 pages or so the remainder of the book is very spot on with what was occurring, why decisions were made and what the effects of those decisions were. Sadly Schlesinger was not as involved in the Executive Committee (Ex-Com) as other special assistants were so much of what has happened at that point was not related in this book and the role that the committee played is kept to almost a minimum. I will point out that even as a Republican I found the book fair and while lacking in detail at some points it is still the most complete work that is published on Kennedy and to those who claim bias: the man worked in the Kennedy administration so take that bias into account as you read and enjoy a firsthand look at a complicated presidency and pivotal point in American history. Overall well worth the time to read.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
This Scribe Proves Himself Worthy of Pulitzer
I picked up an old copy of this book and re-read this classic...thirty years after reading it the first time. Read more
Published 3 months ago by John A. Hunt, Attorney, Las Vegas, Nevada
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Thousand Days
Even though Arthur Schlesinger won the Pulitzer Prize for his book on John F. Kennedy's time in the White House, he is often criticized as a `court historian'. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Tammany Hall
2.0 out of 5 stars
Unimpressed
I know that this is a "classic" so I felt compelled to read it. In all, I thought it was lacking. First, it is rather dull and plodding. Read more
Published 23 months ago by N. Perz
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most informed "insider" view of the Kennedy years.
"A Thousand Days"A definitively a "five star" rated book of the Kennedy years in the Presidency. Most eloquent and lucid - no wonder it won a Pulitzer! Read more
Published on March 4, 2011 by Ron Gornischeff
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good but could have been better
Schlesinger is a first-rate historian, and this book is not a compromise to his reputation. It contains great some great details about Kennedy's turmoils involving Cuba, the... Read more
Published on July 2, 2009 by J. V. Hennburg
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true historical classic.
I had taken an interest in Arthur Schlesinger when he passed away. I picked up a copy of his book, "A Thousand Days: John F. Read more
Published on June 3, 2009 by W. Hronis
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House
History written by a participant in its making. This narrative is as objective as one could be given the close relationship the author had to President Kennedy. Read more
Published on May 4, 2009 by John Watson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still the best
Still the definitive political biography of JFK. As more recent evidence has emerged of Kennedy's decisions and actions as president (as opposed to his private life), Schlesinger's... Read more
Published on March 15, 2009 by Anthony Bendall
2.0 out of 5 stars
Schlesingers judgment could be bettter
Arthur M. Schlesinger wrote in 1965 a detailed account of the Kennedy presidency, 'A Thousand Days'. During this administration Arthur M. Read more
Published on March 30, 2008 by L.. Oost
2.0 out of 5 stars
Boring and Overly Long
The only book by Arthur Schlesinger that I have read is his book about Robert Kennedy (Robert Kennedy and His Times). Now THAT book was good. Why? Read more
Published on November 7, 2006 by Jerry Wilt
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