Customer Reviews

Why England Slept

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First let me say I've been a fan of JFK for many years. And yet I had never read this book. As the 40th anniversary of his death approached, I decided to read this book and was stunned by how wise his analysis was of the British situation prior to WWII. His observations about Churchill were quite right, and his assessment of why England hung back when other parts of Europe were falling was so clear and correct, that I had to keep reminding myself that this was written in 1940. I also could see how he used these observations to craft his own view of foreign policy and defense for when he became President. I'm glad I read this book. It's well worth the time.

Written in 1940, "Why England Slept" is a concise examination of the forces during the 1930s that prevented Britain from rearming until war seemed inevitable. Author John F. Kennedy, a 23 year old Harvard graduate at the time of his writing, presents a balanced and in depth analysis with the intention of aiding his country to learn from England's mistakes.

This book intertwines history with political analysis. It seeks to find reasons, not to assign blame. It emphasizes the strong current of pacifism prevalent in Britain and elsewhere in much of Europe during the 1930s. It was this consensus of opinion which prevented Britannia's leaders from leading it into necessary preparations. Peace movements of that era advanced tenets which others would adopt later. The concept that arms lead to war and that unilateral disarmament would ensure peace would, after nearly costing the West its life, be resurrected during the Cold War. This work also points out how attitudes toward Germany changed during the decade. The Versailles Treaty had cut Germany down to size, in part, by granting independence to Austria and placing millions of Germans in Italy, Czechoslovakia and Poland. An appreciation gradually grew that the Versailles borders would not be perpetual and that some adjustment in Germany's favor was reasonable. For that reason, Hitler's early demands were afforded a hearing in England until increasing German aggression turned public opinion against its authors. As public opinion stiffened, so did British resolve to stand up to aggressors. Only then did rearmament have the political support to make it a a reality. England was then in a race for its life. Germany's clandestine preparation for aggression gave it a two year lead over its more peaceful rivals. Kennedy illustrates how Britain's industrial organization placed it at a disadvantage in military manufacturing in comparison to the U.S. and Germany.

Besides the reflections on the events leading up to the world situation in 1940, Kennedy gives a glimpse into his political views when the contrasts the strengths and weaknesses democracies versus those of totalitarian regimes. We can now see how those beliefs influenced the course of the Cold War over which Kennedy exercised such an influence for a time.

This book is a period piece. Unlike later writers, Kennedy did not know the end of the story. The reader gains a different perspective from comments such as, if Hitler prevails, if England wins or if England falls."Why England Slept" gives us a real time analysis of the making of the greatest war in history. For that it is a worthwhile read.

This review will not likely be read by anyone for years or if ever, unless the book receives a new publication, but let's set the record straight, did JFK solely write this book? Who knows and who cares anymore. At least there isn't the plagiarizing charge that accompanies the 21st century's current popular historians. Kennedy put his name on the cover and left himself open for criticism or acclaim.

The book is drably written and without many of the lively anecdotes typical of current nonfiction. The book, though, in analyzing England & Europe's political and economic condition provides a perspective to the often asked question of "Why didn't the world act to stop Hitler before he opened hostilities?" Kennedy nearly prophesizes the later U.S. involvement in the war. Unfortunately, the post war perspective of whether earlier action against Hitler should have been initiated is colored by historians' accepting of Churchill's later self serving reviews of the pre-war years. Kennedy's book gives some perspective to Churchill's role of those pre-war years (e.g., Churchill at first argued to increase armament to keep up with the French, not Germany), and the likelihood of whether more serious action would have been possible at the time (not likely by any single nation). There were things in this book that I had not earlier encountered in my numerous readings of WWII.

Timeless.

How can I say that? The book is dated, published in1940, originally JFK's senior thesis at Harvard.

I have to admit, as a young girl, part of my attraction to JFK, RFK and others of this family, was their amazing good looks and charisma revealed in so many photographs within a multitude of magazines and film reels of their public speeches.

However, actually reading what they have written and looking at the subject matter that they chose for their published books, I am struck by the depth of their intellect and grateful for their insights into topics of such great importance to our country and for the world. Even if they didn't write a word of their books, which I highly doubt, it can be said at least, that they surely were wise in their instruction and the person(s) they chose to write them.

This book was written to analyze what was happening within England before WWII began for them and in order to explain why they were so ill-equipped for the war when it started. Year by year up to 1940, JFK reveals the major events worldwide, the sentiments expressed by the British political parties and public, and the policies that resulted which affected munitions' numbers. Yet far from being a drab accountant's ledger of munitions numbers, JFK's book reveals his perceptive instinct which is surely a requisite character trait of someone who would receive for 1000 days the greatest power in office from one of the greatest countries in the world.

The title for this review was taken from a speech JFK never delivered as he was to speak at the Dallas Trade Mart that last day. The speech is really beautiful. Here are some excerpts:

"...Ignorance and misinformation can handicap the progress of a city or a company, but they can, if allowed to prevail in foreign policy, handicap this country's security. In a world of complex and continuing problems, in a world full of frustrations and irritations, America's leadership must be guided by the lights of learning and reason --- or else those who confuse rhetoric with reality and the plausible with the possible will gain the popular ascendancy with their seemingly swift and simple solutions to every world problem."

JFK's closing remarks:

"My friends and fellow citizens: I cite these facts and figures to make it clear that America today is stronger than ever before. Our adversaries have not abandoned their ambitions, our dangers have not diminished, our vigilance cannot be relaxed. But now we have the military, the scientific, and the economic strength to do whatever must be done for the preservation and promotion of freedom.

That strength will never be used in pursuit of aggressive ambitions --- it will always be used in pursuit of peace. It will never be used to promote provocations --- it will always be used to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.

We in this country, in this generation, are --- by destiny rather than choice --- the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint, and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of "peace on earth, good will toward men." That must always be our goal, and the righteousness of our cause must always underlie our strength. For as was written long ago, "except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."

I have read 2 of JFK's books -- A Nation Of Immigrants & Profiles In Courage (both in papperback)! They have been a part of my home library for over 35 years!
What I find intriguing is that both of these books have always been available at major retail bookstores! (For example) Today, I can go into any Barnes & Noble retail store and find paperback copies of these two books for under $20. However, JFK's Why England Slept seems to have never undergone any similar paperback (nor hard cover) re-prints! It's always been, and still is, hard to find a copy. My public library has both 'Profiles In Courage' & 'A Nation Of Immigrants,' but does not offer Why England Slept! The only copies available are on the internat (Amazon & Ebay, etc), but they sell for $50 to $100 a copy! ???????????
I find this to be a very intriguing mystery for a book written by a very popular U.S. President! I have heard rumors that the book contains information that the "Anglo-American Establishment' wants censored!
I haven't heard any alternate explanations as to why this book is so hard to find and sooooooo expensive to purchase!
Wayne

As a book from the period, it is only and merely of some interest. As a source of insight into a future president's thought and view of the world, it is remarkable!

Young John F. Kennedy wrote a thesis at Harvard that foreshadowed his potential greatness as a statesman. This is a factual look at Britain's actions prior to the Second World War. Interestingly, the book also foreshadows America sleeping prior to September 11, 2001. Britain as a Democracy was unprepared to take on the totaltarian Nazi state. Sound familiar? This book is timely reading in the 21st century. I hope that it is re-released either to the public, or as a text book for students of diplomacy.

"THIS IS THE BOOK JOHN F. KENNEDY WROTE WHEN HE WAS A HARVARD SENIOR
... the thesis that earned him graduation honors in international relations
... the book that won him acclaim here and abroad when it was first published in 1940---a best seller that went through six editions
... the book that Henry R. Luce praised in his Foreword to the 1940 edition:

"For all Americans who are wide awake enough to read... this book is invaluable...
Why England Slept is a remarkable book in many respects....."
[from the book of the back of the jacket]

First, JFK did not write this book. Rather, it was written for him by a number of people, and one of the writers described it as 'a very sloppy job, mostly magazine and newspaper clippings stuck together', when seen in its original state. Joe Kennedy, the President's father, made it a best-seller by using his influence with publishers like Henry Luce. Old Joe also helped out by purchasing 30,000 to 40,000 copies of the "book" and storing them at the family compound in Hyannisport. See Paul Johnson's A History of the American People for full details... Save your money, and your time.