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The greatest speeches of President John F. Kennedy

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Ernest Hemingway was once asked how he wrote so well. "I write as well as I can," he said, "and sometimes I write better than I can."

John F. Kennedy could justly have made the same quip, both about writing and speechmaking. Although a successful historical writer and biographer at an early age, it was in speechwriting that he really excelled, from his epochal Inaugural Address (which, despite revisionist claims to the contrary, he wrote in its entirety) to his witty bon mots to the Dallas Press on the last morning of his life. Kennedy had a rarely-matched Churchillian genius for speechwriting that shaped the political perceptions of a generation.

In this slim but representative edition of Kennedy's signature speeches, Brian Dudley has shown a sure hand and fine judgement in selecting the best of the best. It is an excellent handbook for the serious student and a superb collection for the average reader who just wants a good, convenient, modestly-priced collection of some of the finest English ever spoken. The table of contents is clear and easy-to-use. Kennedy's most famous quotations are conveniently highlighted in windows inserted in the text of each speech. This slim pocket-sized collection really is a gem.

John F. Kennedy was one of the last politicans to use grandoratory as a principal means of projecting his agenda. His speeches, which his detractors often wrongly labled as simply lists of his intentions, were in fact masterful, almost textbook, examples of how to comunicate ideas and policy to a sometimes sceptical American electorate, as well as to the wider international community.

This is a short ... pamhlet containing several of President John F. Kennedy's more famous speeches that he made as President which none the less omits some of his more significant discourses.

I was particularly disappointed that Kennedy's eulogy to Dag Hammarskjold, that he delivered to the United Nations and which led directly to the first nuclear test ban treaty was not included in this collection.

Amazon, through their "out of print service" were able to obtain for me a copy of "Let The Word Go Forth" edited by J.F.K.'s principal speechwriter and "moral bloodbank" Theodore (Ted) Sorensen. Sorenson's book gives a far greater insight into John F. Kennedy and what he was trying to achive than this short publication.

For many years now, Americans have been inspired by this politician who encouraged us all to preserve the traditions which have sustained this country through perilous times. JFK was no ordinary president. His speeches still resonate with hope for a brighter tomorrow. This book has succesfully helped to reveal a man who cared deeply for what happens to the United States. He recognized, as perhaps no other president has before or since, the importance of freedom, both here and in the rest of the world. Democracy has always been in the forefront of American politics, and as president, John F. Kennedy used the power of the presidency, and his gift for the written word, to relate to everyone the shared values we all have as fellow countrymen. It would be safe to point out that when Kennedy spoke, his words helped us to see what others do not. HE made us see that we should never shrink back from taking an active role in determining the future security of America. Perhaps it goes without mention that this book has revealed both the man and the myth that was our 35th president, and his speeches still symbolize what all of us are looking for. Freedom. This book is fast paced and easy to understand. Why? For one reason. JFk had the gift of clarity. He wanted to make sure that as president, whenever he'd give a speech, that all Americans could understand what he was trying to do. Since his death in 1963, JFK is understand now better than he was, and this book helps us to look back on the speeches that gave hope and encouragement to a terbulent world.

It's strange how words can take you to a distant place and time, yet still resonate with meaning even now.

"The Greatest Speeches of President John F. Kennedy" took me to a different era. As I read the speech about the dream of landing a man on the moon, the space shuttle blasted off for another trip to the space station. As I read the speech about the Soviet arms build-up in Cuba, I heard that Fidel Castro was preparing for his death. After I read the speech about Kennedy's landmark civil rights bill, my mother told me that her favorite show is Oprah Winfrey, the most powerful woman in television. Who would have thought it 38 years ago?

You can see how President Kennedy had a short but very profound influence on the world that lingers even today. Has any President since 1963 had such a powerful impact?

Neat book. It's a shame, but we don't have orators like President Kennedy anymore. Nor do we have presidents that really inspire us.

President Kennedy guided the United States through the most dangerous times since the Second World War. In his 1,000 days in office he lead America through the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Berlin blockade, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and through turbulent times in the cities - the Freedom Riders, segregation and integration, race riots, and lynchings.

But by instituting progressive policies of peace abroad and equality at home, President Kennedy made enemies of those who wished for the status quo. His death was a great loss - the loss of what "could have been", the loss of a rare breed of politican who inspired people with a clear vision of the future.

"We stand today on the edge of a New Frontier"

"Ask not what your country can do for you..."

"We seek peace - but we shall not surrender"

"We choose to go to the moon"

"An already clear and present danger"

"Let us...step back from the shadows of war"

"We face a moral crisis as a country and as a people"