Conversations with Kennedy (Paperback)

by Benjamin C. Bradlee (Author) "THERE ARE TWO significant gaps in this record of conversations with John F. Kennedy, one major, about thirty-six months, one minor, about three months, both..." (more)
Key Phrases: oval room, White House, New York, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"Give[s] us a good idea of what Jack Kennedy was really like—probably as good an idea as anything likely to be written about him [him]. . . . Highly informal and readable." —R. L. Tobin, Saturday Review Ben Bradlee first came to know John Kennedy well when they were Washington neighbors in 1958. They remained good friends and off-the-record confidants until President Kennedy's death. They also had a more professional relationship governed by Bradlee's job covering the capital for Newsweek.

Bradlee and his wife Tony participated in the parties at the White House and in more private moments when the president and Jacqueline were relaxing with friends. With Kennedy's knowledge, Bradlee kept notes of their intimate conversations. These records are the basis for this behind-the-scenes record of the human side of the JFK presidency.

For the first time, all the conflicting elements of Kennedy's personality are seen at the closest possible range. Here was a politician of the South Boston stripe who also was at home among the WASP intellectuals he brought into government, who loved the sick old tiger who was his father and yet would not be dominated by him, who understood his brothers' every quirk and strength, admired women, and had few illusions about human nature but nursed dreams all the same.

About the Author
At the time his conversations with Kennedy took place, Benjamin Bradlee was the Washington bureau chief for Newsweek magazine. He has been with the Washington Post since 1965 and has been executive editor since 1968.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co. (November 17, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393301893
• ISBN-13: 978-0393301892
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #113,552 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book on Kennedy the man, not the Camelot myth., March 19, 1998

By A Customer

Very interesting book on JFK by Ben Bradlee. Unlike most recent JFK books written by authors who never meet or knew JFK, Conversations with: is written by Bradlee who was a not only a close friend of JFK but was also a journalist. The insights into JFK the man, before the Camelot myth was started are facinating. A great book for anyone interested in what JFK was like as a person.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've ever read, June 26, 2002

By A Customer

This book was truly a page turner. I was facinated by the intimate details and facts revealed by the author. It allowed me to see Kennedy as a man and not only as a legend. I would recomend this book whole heartedly to anyone interested in JFK. It is a book that is worth being read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not in his own words , October 17, 2006

By	Shalom Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Bradlee, the Washington Post journalist and editor, was befriended by Kennedy months before the 1960 Presidential Campaign. They had in the next four years over one- hundred and fifty conversations, the paraphrases of which make up the heart of this volume. The method Bradlee uses is one which I found wanting, as it does not present the President so much in his own words, as in Bradlee's recountings of what those words were.
The book is best at giving an inside - view of the way friendship and politics go together, and often not - together in Washington. The lapses in the periods of conversation were due to Bradlee's being put in an occasional doghouse for writing in a way the White House did not enjoy.
The picture presented of the President if of a person of exceptional charm, and good intelligence who is nonetheless afflicted by countless petty considerations. For instance Bradlee reveals the President resented Jackie's mastery of languages, and even resented her star- status the night of the famous White House Broadcast in which she showed it redecorated to an American television - viewing audience.
The most painful and moving chapter is the last, the account of the President's assassination and especially of his widow's actions during this time. For anyone who was alive at the time and remembers the assassination it will be chilling to read this chapter.
Kennedy devotees will take pleasure in this book for each incidental story it gives about the President. I think though that for most readers the work will provide less than full satisfaction. One reason for this is that it's telling is quite bland, and instances of the famed Kennedy wit are not as frequent as they might be.