Alan Brinkley - John F. Kennedy

The acclaimed historian  Alan Brinkley has his go at President Kennedy in this concise biography of the 33rd President in the series of presidential biographies edited over the years by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. and Sean Wilentz.  The result is a rather dry but handy reference to the life of JFK.

There is nothing new in this book.  The major events of Kennedy's life are summarized in fine fashion.  My interest was sparked by a recent trip to Dallas and a visit to the (in)famous 6th floor museum tribute to the fallen chief executive.

Republicans tout a theme these days of "we built it."  Yes, we can admire JFK's relentless drive to the presidency. overcoming incredible medical problems, his personal courage and accomplishments.    You can't help but admire his ambition overcoming such physical pain over his lifetime.  At the same time, he had a millionare father who bankrolled his every move.  He didn't do it alone.  JFK was perhaps the perfect example of what money can do to make a politician successful in this country.  JFK was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and his father kept sticking additional silver spoons in his mouth.

Historians will debate forever his rank in the presidential pecking order.  As Camelot continues to fade over the decades, realistic appraisals will take hold.  Who knows how JFK will rank in the coming decades.

Final conclusion: this book is dry but a serviceable summary of JFK's life.