Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy

By: Caroline Kennedy - foreword, Michael Beschloss - introduction

Narrated by: Jacqueline Kennedy, Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (interviewer), Caroline Kennedy (foreword), Michael Beschloss (introduction)

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1964, Jacqueline Kennedy recorded seven historic interviews about her life with John F. Kennedy. Now, decades later, these conversations can be heard in this digitally remastered eight-and-a-half-hour audio program. This audiobook includes the foreword written and read by Caroline Kennedy; introduction written and read by historian Michael Beschloss and the photos from the hardcover book, as well as complete annotations from Michael Beschloss, both in downloadable PDF format.

Shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, with a nation deep in mourning and the world looking on in stunned disbelief, Jacqueline Kennedy found the strength to set aside her own personal grief for the sake of posterity and begin the task of documenting and preserving her husband’s legacy. In January of 1964, she and Robert F. Kennedy approved a planned oral-history project that would capture their first-hand accounts of the late president as well as the recollections of those closest to him throughout his extraordinary political career. For the rest of her life, the famously private Jacqueline Kennedy steadfastly refused to discuss her memories of those years, but beginning that March, she fulfilled her obligation to future generations of Americans by sitting down with historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and recording an astonishingly detailed and unvarnished account of her experiences and impressions as the wife and confidante of John F. Kennedy. The tapes of those sessions were then sealed and later deposited in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum upon completion, in accordance with Mrs. Kennedy’s wishes.

The resulting eight-and-a-half hours of material comprise a unique and compelling record of a tumultuous era, providing fresh insights on the many significant people and events that shaped JFK’s presidency, but also shedding new light on the man behind the momentous decisions.

As told by Mrs. Kennedy, here are JFK’s unscripted opinions on a host of revealing subjects, including his thoughts and feelings about his brothers, Robert and Ted, and his take on world leaders past and present, giving us perhaps the most informed, genuine, and immediate portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy we shall ever have. Mrs. Kennedy’s urbane perspective, her candor, and her flashes of wit also give us our clearest glimpse into the active mind of a remarkable First Lady.

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s inauguration, Caroline Kennedy and the Kennedy family are now releasing these beautifully restored recordings with accompanying annotations and photos from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library as well as other sources. Introduced and annotated by renowned presidential historian Michael Beschloss, these interviews will add an exciting new dimension to our understanding and appreciation of President Kennedy and his time and make the past come alive through the words and voice of an eloquent eyewitness to history.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2011 Caroline Kennedy, John Schlossberg, Rose Schlossberg, and Tatiana Schlossberg (P)2011 Hyperion (packaging elements only)

Wished it would never end

Loved it - was wonderful the hear her voice and I wished it would never end. Very enjoyable and learned alot!

Amazing

Where does Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy?

When JFK Jr talks in the background...very touching.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

N/A

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

N/A

Any additional comments?

This was like eavesdropping on history...amazing.

Nice!

Not only a history of JFK but autobiographical insights into the inner beauty. Intelligence, and down-to-earth qualities of Jacqueline Kennedy. If you already liked JFK, this will increase tremendously your admiration of him---and of her!

Camelot indeed

I loved her telling the story of some of her beloveds most incredible stories that matter so much to our nation today. My only objection was that Caroline said of her amazing mother, that perhaps women weren't as interesting or there weren't as many autobiographies of women.. Perhaps because of her living in a whole different world growing up... Because there were some extraordinary women as well as men... But I'm touched and glad I have them for such a historical time!

There's Nothing Like hearing her Voice!

Any additional comments?

I have read numerous biographies on JFK and Jaqueline Kennedy but this is the most amazing account of Jaqueline Kennedy's personality as captured in real life. It truly is like opening a precious gift of history given in a time capsule.

Very Enjoyable History

So interesting reading what Jack Kennedy really thought about the people surrounding him. It clarified so much of what actions were taken during the administration and the difficulties of any president. Very rare behind the scenes look at one administration.

She pulls no punches

What did you love best about Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy?

I loved Mrs. Kennedy's honesty. I understand why she did not want these recordings released for 50 years. There were powerful people mentioned in the story in a not very flattering way.

Any additional comments?

I was disappointed that the death of JFK was not covered in this book. It had apparently been covered recently with another reporter and so that Mrs. Kennedy would not have to relive that horrible event again, it was agreed that it would not be covered in these conversations. I wish I had known that before I purchased the book but I might not have purchased the book knowing that and I am certainly glad that I did.

Worth selecting the audio version.

Absolutely delightful. I highly recommend the audiobook version as you get to listen to the real original tapes. It's interesting to see how she saw her husband, politics, and the events of the time. It's not the greatest historical material as the interviewer is a friend, and had worked for Kennedy and been his friend. Still lovely.

Just Jackie - In Her Own Words

While these conversations may or may not be considered 'historic,' they are fascinating. You can hear ice clinking in cocktail glasses, cigarettes being lit and at one point, Schlesinger actually slurs his words a bit. These are intimate interviews, one-on-one in a relaxed setting, and they primarily cover JFK's early years in politics, Jackie's personal opinions about some of the people her husband's work brought her into contact with, and assorted tidbits about the late president's character and mindset. Jackie is very clever in what she divulges and what she emphasizes. You get the sense that she is laying the foundation for the Camelot mythology -- almost making it up as she goes along. "They" might have killed her husband, but she was going to have her say about what his legacy would be. Overall, this book reaffirmed what I always thought about her -- she was a tremendous political asset and an emotionally intelligent person. Elegant and composed in the face of tragedy and personal loss... What a treasure she was and how lovely it is to be able to hear her speak.

Taking a 50-year step back in time.

Would you listen to Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy again? Why?

Yes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy?

Most memorable moment was when she described her experience on November 22, 1963.

Which scene was your favorite?

Planning the funeral to be as much as Lincoln's funeral as possible.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Very happy that these tapes were released during the lifetimes of people who remember November 22, 1963. They won't mean as much to anyone who does not remember that day.