John F. Kennedy and a New Generation (Library of American Biography Series) (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

by David Burner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In this biography, David Burner explores the controversies, successes and failures in the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy, and his influence in shaping the modern American consciousness. Burner's in-depth discussion of John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) as both an individual and a leader allows the reader to examine the changes that took place in the American political and social systems as reflected in the hopeful days of Kennedy's "Camelot." Paperback, brief, and inexpensive, each of the titles in the "Library of American Biography" series focuses on a figure whose actions and ideas significantly influenced the course of American history and national life. In addition, each biography relates the life of its subject to the broader themes and developments of the times. This text is also available as a SafariX WebBook. SafariX Textbooks Online is an exciting new choice for students looking to save money. As an alternative to purchasing the print textbook, students can subscribe to the same content online and save up to 50% off the suggested list price of the print text.Students can search the text, make notes online, print out reading assignments that incorporate lecture notes, and bookmark important passages for later review. For more information, or to subscribe to the SafariX WebBook, visit www.safarix.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 2 edition (July 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 032110143X
• ISBN-13: 978-0321101433
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #996,271 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good thing in a small package, June 5, 2006

By	Anthony Sanchez (Fredericksburg, va United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is interesting to me that a short book such as this illuminates as much about the Kennedy administration than many thicker books for popular reading. A main difference is that the more popular readings focus on sensational stories and some try to make unsupported connections between some aspect of the political figure's personal development and that person's decisions while in office.

This short political biography ignores the bed sheet and fashion stories that dominate so many other Kennedy books. This is a book for a person with a serious interest in the Kennedy presidency. Despite its brevity, the author gives a strong presentation on the president's political style and his influence on domestic and foreign affairs. His discussion on Kennedy's significant domestic policies is of particular importance since, except for civil rights, JFK is better remembered for his foreign policies.

The writer without engaging in Peggy Noonan-like glorification of his subject (Noonan writes on Reagan) portrays JFK as a highly intelligent and astute figure developing more into a statesman than a politician.

Unfortunately, Kennedy's legacy was long ago hijacked by those who want to minimize his influence by remembering him as a youthful charmer with little substance. This is done by both conservatives (who are angered both by his civil rights efforts and his growing independence of military), and by liberals (who too are angered by his civil rights positions that moved too slowly for their taste and his general refusal to put the cart of the liberal agenda ahead of the national horse). As a result, most discussions of Kennedy center on matters that had little to do with him as the nation's leader.

Many of us (for me as a child) remember him and know him as a person whose death was very personal and traumatic. It was the first time many of us saw our parents and teachers cry. This book helps us to better explain to younger generations Kennedy's importance to the nation and to ourselves.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Journal of a College Freshman, April 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: John F. Kennedy and a New Generation (Library of American Biography) (Textbook Binding)

Burner wrote this biography upon previous works written about Kennedy. He admires Kennedy a lot because he doesn't really give any shortcomings that came about while Kennedy was President. Burners does give a clear picture about the events taking place in the book.