Description:

Jacqueline Kennedy
New York, NY, October 21, 1992
Jacqueline Kennedy ALS to Judge Frank M. Johnson Re: "magnificent biography"
ALS
An exciting letter from then-literary editor Jacqueline Kennedy to Judge Frank Johnson, ahead of the publication of his new biography, New York, NY, October 21, 1992. Signed "Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis" at conclusion, the former First Lady expresses much enthusiasm over Johnson's biography, likely the 1993 book "Taming the Storm: The Life and Times of Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr." by Jack Bass. 2pp on Doubleday letterhead, 5.5" x 8.5". Exhibits two small pin holes from prior stapling at upper left of both pages, with isolated creasing present at bottom right corners. Minor ink smudging at lower left of first page, otherwise near fine.

In full:

"The day approaches when your magnificent biography will at last belong to the world. I will send you the very first copy. It should come sometime in December. And if we get beautiful jackets before then, I will send you one, so that your anticipation will increase.
It is so moving to have a President of the United States and Chief Justice giving words of praise on the back of your book. I can think of no one else who has been so esteemed."

Kennedy Onassis began her career in publishing in 1975 as a consultant for Viking Press after the death of her second husband. She was later offered a position at Doubleday as a senior editor, which she dutifully served until her death in May 1994.

Frank Minis Johnson Jr. (1918-1999) served as both a district judge and circuit judge in a career that spanned from 1955 to 1999. Throughout his long tenure, Johnson served on the bench of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, as well as on the Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, respectively. He was perhaps best known for his role in landmark civil rights rulings that helped end segregation and disenfranchisement of African Americans in the South.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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