JOHN F. KENNEDY (1917-1963 ) .As almost everyone familiar with Kennedy lore knows the oldest son of Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.** and Rose Kennedy was Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr (Joe) and he was the family designate to run for president. But, he died when taking part in Operation Aphrodite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Aphrodite) in which he was a wartime test pilot of a modified B-24 Liberator drone bomber experiment.The plan was to convert the planes to drones, load them with explosives and have them piloted toward their targets and have the crew bail out.Joe's plane accidentally exploded shortly after take off and crashed in Suffolk England killing all the crew. This was known to be a high risk assignment for which he volunteered so he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. He was single at the time of his death and had no children, although he had been romantically linked to Edith Bouvier Beale, a cousin of who would have been his future sister-in-law Jacqueline Lee Bouvier. After he was killed all the boys moved up one notch and so John then assumed the role of the oldest son and the rest is history.

This book is by far the rarest of all the Kennedy-related books and it is even rarer signed by Jack. The First Edition was printed privately in an edition of 250 so few survive today and we could find auction records of only three of these books signed by John having been auctioned since 1980 which is a reflection of book's rarity, especially if signed by John .

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Privately Printed by Cambridge, MA. University Press. 1945. [published date: 1945] Hardcover First Edition. Edited by John F. Kennedy. Size:9.25 in. x 6.12 in.. The title page is printed entirely in black.The First Edition has a set of red pilot's wings below the title on the title page as shown below. One of 250 copies of this issue. The book is signed and inscribed To Theresa with best wishes John Kennedy. With numerous photographs throughout, including a full-page frontispiece photo of a smiling Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., U.S.N.R. July 25, 1915--August 12, 1944.Also found on pages 72 and 73 are full page images of Joe's Navy Cross and the medal citation (below). The condition is G+ and the book covers are finely woven burgundy cloth stamped brightly in gold on the spine and the front boards. Some rubbing to cover and spine as shown but the gold printing is intact.Virtually clean and tight throughout.No tears, other names written in, etc. With photos of letters, articles, and Joe"s Navy Cross on plates in the rear of the book (image below) as mentioned.

The provenance on this book is impeccable. A member of the family, the aunt of the present owner, Theresa Corbett worked for Joe Sr. in his NYC office and was given the book as a gift by Joe, Sr. It was signed by the future president when he stopped by the office to see his father .It has been in the family since.The present owner has a photograph of the original owner with Jack Kennedy circa late 1940's.

As with all items sold by THE HISTORY BUFF, INC. the book will come with a certified opinion of authenticity and a money back guarantee if it is not as represented on our web site.

Price:SOLD

Reference:

**The LOST PRINCE. Young Joe, The Forgotten Kennedy. The Story of the Oldest Brother.
The World Publishing Co., NY: 1969. 8vo. 1st edition. 334 pp (including index). Illustrated. Blue &black cloth binding.

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