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Profiles in Courage
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Profiles in Courage Paperback - 2004

by John F. Kennedy

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About this book

Profiles in Courage was written by John F. Kennedy when the iconic U.S. President was still a senator. The Pulitzer Prize-winning volume of short biographies tells of eight United States Senators who shown great courage under enormous pressure from their parties and their constituents. Among Kennedy’s featured senators were: John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Thomas Hart Benton, Sam Houston, Edmund G. Ross, Lucius Lamar, George Norris, and Robert A. Taft. While these Senators suffered severe criticism and losses in popularity because of their actions, their stories are used to illustrate the principles and virtues that Kennedy believed were required of Americans in a century of progress.  

Profiles in Courage hit the bestsellers list three times: when JFK was an up-and-coming Senator in the late 1950s; after he was elected President in 1960-61; and following his assassination in 1963-64. The book led to the creation of the “Profiles in Courage” award,  an annual award made to recognize displays of moral and political courage similar to those that Kennedy profiled.

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From the publisher

The Pulitzer Prize winning classic by President John F. Kennedy, with an introduction by Caroline Kennedy and a foreword by Robert F. Kennedy.

Written in 1955 by the then junior senator from the state of Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage serves as a clarion call to every American.

In this book Kennedy chose eight of his historical colleagues to profile for their acts of astounding integrity in the face of overwhelming opposition. These heroes, coming from different junctures in our nation's history, include John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Thomas Hart Benton, and Robert A. Taft.

Now, a half-century later, the book remains a moving, powerful, and relevant testament to the indomitable national spirit and an unparalleled celebration of that most noble of human virtues. It resounds with timeless lessons on the most cherished of virtues and is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Profiles in Courage is as Robert Kennedy states in the foreword: "not just stories of the past but a book of hope and confidence for the future. What happens to the country, to the world, depends on what we do with what others have left us."

Along with vintage photographs and an extensive author biography, this book features Kennedy's correspondence about the writing project, contemporary reviews, a letter from Ernest Hemingway, and two rousing speeches from recipients of the Profile in Courage Award. Introduction by John F. Kennedy's daughter Caroline Kennedy, forward by John F. Kennedy's brother Robert F. Kennedy.

First line

This is a book about that most admirable of human virtues-courage.

First edition identification

Harper & Brothers first published Profile in Courage in 1955. First Editions state “First Edition” on the copyright page along with the appropriate date code: “M-E.”

Details

  • Title Profiles in Courage
  • Author John F. Kennedy
  • Series Perennial Classics
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition [ Edition: Repri
  • Pages 245
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Harper Perennial, New York
  • Publication date June 1, 2004
  • ISBN 9780060544393 / 0060544392
  • Weight 0.46 lbs (0.21 kg)
  • Dimensions 8 x 5.31 x 0.61 in (20.32 x 13.49 x 1.55 cm)
  • Reading level 1410
  • Category Biography / Autobiography
  • Library of Congress subjects United States, United States - Politics and government
  • Dewey Decimal Code B
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Profiles in Courage (Perennial Classics)
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Profiles in Courage (Perennial Classics)

by Kennedy, John F

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by Kennedy, John F

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Profiles in Courage

Profiles in Courage

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Profiles in Courage

Profiles in Courage

by Kennedy, John F.

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Profiles in Courage

by Kennedy, John F.

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Profiles in Courage

by Kennedy, John F.

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Profiles in Courage
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Profiles in Courage

by Kennedy, John F

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780060544393 / 0060544392
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