Description:

John F. Kennedy
n.p., ca. 1961
John F. Kennedy Signed 1st French Edition of "Strategie de la Paix," Inscribed to Constantine Karamanlis
Signed First Edition Book

John F. Kennedy. Stratégie de la Paix (The Strategy of Peace). Paris: Calmann-Lévy, (1961). First French edition, this collection of Kennedy's powerful pre-presidency speeches, inscribed to the Prime Minister of Greece, Constantine Karamanlis, who was visiting the White House the same day the failed Bay of Pigs invasion was launched, "To President Karamanlis with esteem and best wishes, John Kennedy." Text in French. Octavo, original stiff paper wrappers, uncut and unopened. Housed in a custom clamshell box. A fine inscribed copy.

The Strategy of Peace, a collection of speeches assembled when Kennedy was a senator and leading presidential candidate, showcases his approach to defense, peace, national security and related domestic issues. With a preface by Kennedy. Preceded by the 1960 first edition in English. Translation into French by Jean Bloch-Michel. This inscribed copy is especially significant, as on the day the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba was launched, "President Kennedy was busy throughout much of the morning of April 19 in meetings with the visiting Prime Minister of Greece, Constantine Karamanlis" (Kennedy Library).

Perhaps the timing of Prime Minister Karamanlis's visit to the White House explains Kennedy's mistaken inscription in this copy to "President" Karamanlis, for the Greek statesman, then Greece's youngest prime minister, would not become President of Greece until 1980. Because of the error, this copy was not presented to Prime Minister Karamanlis; instead it was given to a Sergeant Ritz who was serving on Air Force at the time.

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: octavo
  • Medium: Signed First Edition Book

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