[Rarebooks] fs: JFK and PT-109

[Back Creek Books]

Greetings All,

For your consideration, the first and second appearances of the story that
made JFK a war hero:
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(No. 7270 )  [Kennedy, John F.] Hersey, John. A REPORTER AT LARGE: SURVIVAL
(PAGES 27-38, NEW YORKER MAGAZINE, VOL. XX, NO. 18, JUNE 17, 1944).
New York: F. R. Publishing Corporation, 1944. Magazine, Quarto, 72 pages,
color & black and white illustrations, ads. Very Good.
      This is a complete, original issue of the 'New Yorker' magazine
containing the first appearance of John Hersey's story of John F. Kennedy
and the ramming of PT-109 by a Japanese destroyer in 1943. Hersey was a
Kennedy family friend, and this article--particularly as subsequently
condensed for the widely circulated 'Reader's Digest'--established the war
hero image that was crucial to the successful launch of JFK's political
career in 1946. Many veteran PT commanders suspected that negligence led to
the quick and maneuverable PT-boat not getting out of the way of a much
larger and slower vessel. Indeed, this is the only time a PT-boat was sunk
after being rammed by the enemy in World War II. Despite that debate,
however, there is no question that young Lt. Kennedy acted with heroism in
the aftermath of the sinking. The 'New Yorker' appearance of the Hersey
story is unabridged and more scarce than the condensed 'Reader's Digest'
version published two months later. This copy of the magazine remains in
very good condition. Staples are beginning to pull through covers at spine,
though covers are still well attached. There is some separation of the
covers along the bottom 1 1/2" of the spine, some minor edge rubs, two short
tears at bottom edge of first advertising page, and a faint vertical crease
at middle of front cover. Interior pages are a bit age toned. A handsome
example of this essential Kennedy item.    $200.00
See photo: http://www.backcreekbooks.com/bookphotos/7270.jpg
~
(No. 2996 )  [Kennedy, John F.] Hersey, John. SURVIVAL: FROM A PT BASE IN
THE SOLOMONS COMES THIS NIGHTMARE EPIC OF THE WILL-TO-LIVE (PAGES 75-80,
READER'S DIGEST, V. 45, AUGUST 1944).
Pleasantville: Reader's Digest Assoc., Inc., 1944. Magazine, Duodecimo, 128
pages. Fine.
      Complete issue of Reader's Digest magazine containing John Hersey's
story of John F. Kennedy and PT-109. To put it simply, this is the article
that launched Kennedy's political career. Hersey, a Kennedy family friend,
first published this flattering account in the 'New Yorker.' But Joe
Kennedy, unhappy with the New Yorker's relatively small circulation, pressed
editor Paul Palmer for this appearance in the much more widely read
'Reader's Digest.' It was a shrewd move, and this condensed version of the
PT-109 incident proved crucial to Kennedy's early political success. Indeed,
this version was reprinted for each of JFK's subsequent campaigns, including
his 1960 presidential run. As to the story itself, few would argue that
young Lt. Kennedy acted heroically in his efforts to rescue his men after
his PT boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer. But veteran PT commanders
were incredulous that such a quick and maneuverable craft could not escape
being struck by a much larger and slower enemy in the first place. In fact
no other PT boat was ever rammed by an enemy ship before or since Kennedy's,
and he narrowly escaped court-martial for the incident. The magazine is
bound in green printed covers with a stapled binding. Only the slightest
extremity rubs and a touch of browning to the text. A truly lovely copy of
this landmark Kennedy item.    $100.00
See photo: http://www.backcreekbooks.com/bookphotos/2996.jpg

=:::=:::=T E R M S=:::=:::=
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Thank you for your interest.

Best regards,

Rock Toews
Back Creek Books
Post Office Box 3540, Annapolis, MD 21403, U.S.A.
Tel. 410-626-1363 or 877-896-2669 (toll free), Fax. 815-425-8542
Web: http://www.backcreekbooks.com  ~  Email: admin at backcreekbooks.com
--
Military & Naval History, Americana, Nautical & Maritime, Marylandiana
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Today's featured book from our stock at the booksellers' cooperative,
TomFolio.com:
 Hill, Norman Alan (Editor), Malcolm Westcott Hill, J. Hooper Edmondson, and
F. R. Vernon Williams (Associate Editors).  'Chesapeake Cruise.'
 Details and secure ordering:
http://www.tomfolio.com/bookdetailsmem.asp?book=235&mem=106
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'The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in
accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong.' -
Abraham Lincoln in September, 1862