In six well-researched thematic chapters, White investigates the construction of the Kennedy public image ... [His] thesis makes for a compelling read. His illustration of the development of Kennedy’s image reveals how revolutionary and innovative the Kennedy operation was in its techniques ... Ultimately, the fact that White can build such a strong thesis is testimony to the success of ... Read morethe Kennedy family’s efforts to build such an enduring image.
Dafydd Townley
U.S. Studies Online
4/5 stars ... Fills a hitherto unacknowledged gap.
Sue Magee
The Bookbag
White unravels the dissonance between the public and the academy's perceptions of JFK. What follows is a learned and erudite post-revisionist account of JFK's enduring image.
Cercles
Mark White draws on his deep knowledge of the Kennedy presidency to fill an important gap in the literature. He shows in fascinating detail how John F. Kennedy assiduously built his image as a great leader, which has shaped popular memory of him down to the present day. This excellent book, which is both well researched and elegantly written, should be essential reading to scholars and students of modern US history, the American presidency, and political image-creation. It will also fascinate general readers and challenge their understanding of JFK.
Iwan Morgan, Commonwealth Fund Professor of American History, University College London, UK
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