"80,000 COPIES ARE SOLD!"

JFK'S FIRST BOOK, 'WHY ENGLAND SLEPT' IS PUBLISHED

New York City (JFK+50) On August 1, 1940, John F. Kennedy's "Why England Slept," adapted from the author's senior thesis at Harvard, was published by Funk, Inc. here in New York City.

The book is an analysis of Great Britain's delay in building up its military in the face of rearmament by Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler.

Henry R. Luce of Time Magazine writes in the introduction...

"If John Kennedy is characteristic of the younger generation, many of us would be happy to have the destiny of the Republic handed over..."

JFK+50 NOTE

The title of JFK's book, which sold 80,000 copies, was a play on the title of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's 'While England Slept.'  

SOURCE

"Why England Slept Is Published," JFK+50, August 1, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

 

 

Why England Slept

by John F. Kennedy

1940

"ARTICULATE WITH FLASHES OF FUTURE BRILLIANCE"

JFK'S "WHY ENGLAND SLEPT" PUBLISHED

New York City (JFK+50) On August 1, 1940, "Why England Slept", a book written by 23 year old John F. Kennedy and adapted from his Harvard senior thesis, was published by Funk, Inc. here in New York.

The work is an analysis of Great Britain's delay in building up its military in the face of German rearmament under Hitler.  The book's title is based on Winston Churchill's 1938 "While England Slept."

The introduction by Time Magazine's Henry R. Luce* includes these words...

"If John F. Kennedy is characteristic of the younger generation, many of us would be happy to have the destiny of the Republic turned over to his generation."

*Henry Robinson Luce (1898-1967) was born in China & graduated from Yale University.  HRL founded Time, Life, Fortune & Sports Illustrated magazines.  He has been called "the most influential private citizen in the America of his day."

JFK+50 NOTE

The First Edition of WES sold for $2 a copy ($42.33 today) & 80,000 copies were printed. 

In his January 1941 review of the book, Robert Gale Woolbert says that WES "seeks to show that the responsibility for the policies which have led Britain to its present parlous state--appeasement, pacifism, undue optimism and general muddleheadedness--rest on the British people as a whole..."

 A 2005 book review describes JFK's style as "articulate...with flashes of future brilliance." 

SOURCES

"Why England Slept," by John F. Kennedy, Funk Incorporated, New York, 1940

"Why England Slept," Foreign Affairs, by Robert Gale Woolbert, January 1941, www.foreignaffairs.com/

 

 

'KENNEDY'S ARTICULATE STYLE OCCASIONALLY FLASHES INTO A FORESHADOWING OF FUTURE BRILLIANCE'

JFK'S 'WHY ENGLAND SLEPT' PUBLISHED 80 YEARS AGO
  
New York City (JFK+50)  On August 1, 1940, 'Why England Slept'  by John F. Kennedy was published here in New York City.   The book, adapted from Mr. Kennedy's senior thesis at Harvard, is an analysis of Great Britain's delay in building up its military while Adolf Hitler's Third Reich was in the process of rearming.

The title of the book is based on the 1938 work 'While England Slept'  by Winston Churchill.  The introduction is  written by Henry R. Luce of Time Magazine. 

Mr. Luce writes...

"In recent months there has been a certain amount of alarm concerning the 'attitude' of the younger generation.  If John Kennedy is characteristic of the younger generation--and I believe he is--many of us would be happy to have the destiny of the Republic handed over to his generation at once."

'Why England Slept' sold 80,000 copies in Britain and the United States. Proceeds from sales in the U.K. were donated to the town of Plymouth which had been bombed by the German air force.

According to  a 2005 book review available at www.TaoYue.com...

"'Why England Slept' is not overwhelmingly brilliant....but it does provide an intriguing glance at the attitude of 1940 and at the formative years of a legendary American political figure of the 20th century.  Kennedy's articulate style forms a lucid account of all the facts and occasionally flashes into a foreshadowing of future brilliance."

First Edition 

Original Price $2

"KENNEDY'S ARTICULATE STYLE FORESHADOWS FUTURE BRILLIANCE"

JFK'S "WHY ENGLAND SLEPT" PUBLISHED

New York City (JFK+50)  On August 1, 1940, twenty-three year old John F. Kennedy's first book was published here in New York City by Funk, Inc.

The book, Why England Slept, was adapted from Mr. Kennedy's senior thesis at Harvard University.  JFK's work was an analysis of Great Britain's delay in building up its military while Adolf Hitler's Third Reich was in the process of rearming.

Henry R. Luce writes in the introduction...

"In recent months there has been a certain amount of alarm concerning the 'attitude' of the younger generation.  If John Kennedy is characteristic of the younger generation--and I believe he is--many of us would be happy to have the destiny of the Republic handed over to his generation at once."

Why England Slept sold 80,000 copies in Great Britain and the United States. Proceeds from sales in the U.K. were donated to the town of Plymouth which had been bombed by the German air force.

According to  a 2005 book review available at www.TaoYue.com...

"Kennedy's articulate style forms a lucid account of all the facts and occasionally flashes into a foreshadowing of future brilliance." 

SOURCE

"Signed copy of JFK book Why England Slept, meant as present for Queen Elizabeth before his assassination, to go under the hammer," Daily Mail, December 6, 2013, www.dailymail.co.uk/

First Edition 

Original Price $2

JFK'S FIRST BOOK PUBLISHED

WHY ENGLAND SLEPT PUBLISHED 75 YEARS AGO TODAY

New York City (JFK+50)  Three-quarters of a century ago today, August 1, 1940, twenty-three year old John F. Kennedy's first book,was published here in New York City by Funk, Inc.

The book, titled Why England Slept, adapted from Mr. Kennedy's senior thesis at Harvard University, was an analysis of Great Britain's delay in building up its military while Adolf Hitler's Third Reich was in the process of rearming.

The title of the book is based on the 1938 work While England Slept by JFK's hero Winston Churchill.

The introduction is  written by Henry R. Luce of Time Magazine. 

Mr. Luce writes:

"In recent months there has been a certain amount of alarm concerning the 'attitude' of the younger generation.  If John Kennedy is characteristic of the younger generation--and I believe he is--many of us would be happy to have the destiny of the Republic handed over to his generation at once."

First Edition 

Original Price $2

Why England Slept sold 80,000 copies in Great Britain and the United States. Proceeds from sales in the U.K. were donated to the town of Plymouth which had been bombed by the German air force.

According to  a 2005 book review available at www.TaoYue.com...

"'Why England Slept' is not overwhelmingly brilliant....but it does provide an intriguing glance at the attitude of 1940 and at the formative years of a legendary American political figure of the 20th century.  

Kennedy's articulate style forms a lucid account of all the facts and occasionally flashes into a foreshadowing of future brilliance."

According to an article in UK's Daily Mail dated December 6, 2013, a signed copy of JFK's first book was on the auction block.  The copy, said to be purchased by the owner in Stamford, Lincolnshire in 2001, was intended to be presented to Queen Elizabeth II while President Kennedy was visiting the UK in June 1963.  The book was reportedly never given to the Queen because she was in Scotland at the time of JFK's visit.*

The article includes a photograph of the following inscription inside the book...

"To Elizabeth with affection, John F. Kennedy"

and the following phrase adapted from his inaugural address...

"we must not fear to negotiate"

The copy was being auctioned in December 2013 by Picollecta.com/.  JFK+50 does not know if the book sold.

*JFK+50 UPDATE

We have found verification that President Kennedy visited Birch Grove in Sussex on June 30, 1963 and attended a luncheon with Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.  We cannot, however, find evidence of the whereabouts of the Queen on this date.  

SOURCE

"Signed copy of JFK book Why England Slept, meant as present for Queen Elizabeth before his assassination, to go under the hammer," Daily Mail, December 6, 2013, www.dailymail.co.uk/

JFK+50 Note:

We have seen many copies of JFK's signature but in all honesty the writing alleged to be his in this book does not look anything like we've seen before.  It certainly does not even resemble JFK's handwriting in 1963.  JFK's signature has been the subject of much controversy over the years.  Authentication could only be done by a reputable, trained and experienced autograph expert.  Also, perhaps some other sources could shed light on whether President Kennedy did, in fact, sign a copy of his book for the Queen.

JFK SPOKE AT NAVAL ACADEMY 50 YEARS AGO

 August 1, 2013

JFK SPOKE AT NAVAL ACADEMY 50 YEARS AGO 

Annapolis, Maryland (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy, a veteran of the United States Navy during World War II, addressed, as commander-in-chief, a new class of midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy 50 years ago today, August 1, 1963.

President Kennedy said:

"I can think of no more rewarding a career.  You will have a chance to serve the cause of freedom and your country all over the world.

This is a hard job...but I think it develops...those qualities which we like to see in our country, which we take pride in...

Your service is needed....your opportunities are unlimited...and...if I were a young man in 1963 I can imagine no place to be better than right here at this academy...beginning a career of service to the United States.

Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy'".

             US Navy Recruiting Poster


U.S. PATROL TORPEDO BOATS ACTIVE IN SOLOMON ISLANDS 70 YEARS AGO TODAY

Solomon Islands, South Pacific (JFK+50) Japanese bombers raided the Rendova Harbor PT base on Lombardi Island here in the Solomon Islands 70 years ago today, August 1, 1943.

The purpose of the attack was to clear the way for five Japanese warships, called "The Tokyo Express" by American sailors, running from the northern Solomon Islands to Vila to the south.

At 6:30 p.m. local time, fifteen patrol-torpedo (PT) boats were sent out by the United States Navy.

One of these boats was PT-109 commanded by Lt. (j.g.) John F. Kennedy.

All 15 PTs reached their designated stations by 8:30 p.m.

              Crew on board the PT109
             JFK standing on far right


"WHY ENGLAND SLEPT" PUBLISHED 73 YEARS AGO TODAY

New York City (JFK+50)  "Why England Slept", a book by 23 year old John F. Kennedy, was published here in New York City 73 years ago today, August 1, 1943, by Funk, Inc.

The book, adapted from Mr. Kennedy's senior thesis at Harvard University, is an analysis of Great Britain's delay in building up its military while Adolf Hitler's Third Reich was in the process of rearming.

The title of JFK's first book is based on the 1938 work "While England Slept" by Winston Churchill.

The introduction to "Why England Slept" is written by Henry R. Luce of Time Magazine. 

Mr. Luce writes:

"In recent months there has been a certain amount of alarm concerning the 'attitude' of the younger generation.  If John Kennedy is characteristic of the younger generation--and I believe he is--many of us would be happy to have the destiny of the Republic handed over to his generation at once."

     1st Edition Sold in 1940 for $2.00

"Why England Slept" sold 80,000 copies in the UK and US. Proceeds from the English sales were donated to the town of Plymouth, England which had recently been bombed by the German air force.

A 2005 book review of "Why England Slept" available at www.TaoYue.com says:

"'Why England Slept' is not overwhelmingly brilliant....but it does provide an intriguing glance at the attitude of 1940 and at the formative years of a legendary American political figure of the 20th century.  Kennedy's articulate style forms a lucid account of all the facts and occasionally flashes into a foreshadowing of future brilliance."

        Reprint from the JFK Library 
                  $86.95 (2011 price)

JFK ATTENDS CEREMONY MARKING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FULBRIGHT ACT

August 1, 1961


JFK ATTENDS CEREMONY MARKING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FULBRIGHT ACT


Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy attended the ceremony today marking the 50th anniversary of passage of the Fulbright Act.


The act provides for the exchange of representatives, scholars, educators, students & artists between the United States and countries around the world.


In his speech at today's ceremony, JFK said:


"50,000 people have come to a greater understanding of our culture & civilization (as a result of the Fulbright Act)."


Then JFK congratulated the act's sponsor & namesake: Senator J. W. Fulbright (D-Arkansas).*


*Senator Fulbright was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War & served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during that time.  He died in 1995 at the age of 89 in Washington, D.C.

            Senator J. William Fulbright
                   Democrat, Arkansas


August 1, 1962


JFK SIGNS FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT


Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Kennedy signed into law the Foreign Assistance Act of 1962 at the White House today.


The bill provides military assistance to countries which are "on the rim of the communist world & under direct attack."


It also provides economic assistance to those governments suffering "from widespread misery & social discontent which are exploited by our adversaries."


July 1, 1963


PRESIDENT KENNEDY SPEAKS AT ANNAPOLIS


Annapolis, Maryland (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy, a navy man himself during World War II, addressed, as commander-in-chief, a new class of midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy today.


JFK said:


"I can think of no more rewarding a career.  You will have a chance to serve the cause of freedom & your country all over the world."*


*I have a great poster (see photo below) that a Navy recruiter at my school gave me.  The poster includes the following JFK quote:


"Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile can respond with a good deal of pride & satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy'".

             US Navy Recruiting Poster


August 1, 1943


PT BOATS PATROL BLACKETT STRAIT


Solomon Islands, South Pacific (JFK+50) Japanese bombers raided the Rendova Harbor PT base on Lombardi Island here today to clear the way for 5 Japanese warships, called "The Tokyo Express" by US sailors, running from the northern Solomon Islands to Vila to the south.


At 6:30 this evening local time, 15 patrol-torpedo (PT) boats were sent out on patrol by the US Navy.


One of these boats is the PT-109 commanded by Lt. (j.g.) John F. Kennedy.


All 15 PTs reached their designated stations by 8:30 p.m.*


*Check back tomorrow for "the rest of the story".

              Crew on board the PT109
             JFK standing on far right


August 1, 1940


"WHY ENGLAND SLEPT" IS PUBLISHED 


New York City (JFK+50)  "Why England Slept", a book by 23 year old John F. Kennedy, was published here today by Funk, Inc.


The book, adapted from JFK's senior thesis at Harvard, is an analysis of Great Britain's delay in building up its military while Hitler's Germany was in the process of rearming.


The title of JFK's 1st book is based on the 1938 work "While England Slept" by Winston Churchill.


The book's introduction is written by Henry R. Luce of Time Magazine. 


Mr. Luce writes:


"In recent months there has been a certain amount of alarm concerning the "attitude" of the younger generation.  If John Kennedy is characteristic of the younger generation--& I believe he is--many of us would be happy to have the destiny of the Republic handed over to his generation at once."*

     1st Edition Sold in 1940 for $2.00


*"Why England Slept" sold 80,000 copies in the UK & US & the proceeds from the English sales were donated to the town of Plymouth, England which had recently been bombed by the German air force.


A 2005 book review of "Why England Slept" available at www.TaoYue.com says:


"'Why England Slept' is not overwhelmingly brilliant....but it does provide an intriguing glance at the attitude of 1940 & at the formative years of a legendary American political figure of the 20th century.  Kennedy's articulate style forms a lucid account of all the facts & occasionally flashes into a foreshadowing of future brilliance."

        Reprint from the JFK Library 
                  $86.95 (2011 price)


August 1, 1955


JFK APPEALS TO AEC FOR NEW ENGLAND


Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Democratic Senator John F. Kennedy wrote to Lewis L. Strauss, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, today to appeal for special consideration for New England as the site for non-military atomic power projects.


JFK requested in his letter that a proposed atomic energy library & AEC office be built in New England.

             Ike with Lewis L. Strauss
                   NARA Photo (1954)