Details:

Dave Powers and Kenneth P. O’Donnell dual autographed first edition of Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye: Memories of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, additionally inscribed to United States Senator Benjamin A. Smith II, one of President Kennedy’s closest lifelong friends and Harvard roommate. Published by Little, Brown and Company, 1972. First edition, first printing.

The volume bears two warm, personal inscriptions on the half-title page. Kenneth P. O’Donnell writes:

“To Senator Smith,
A friend always
forever who fortunately
made a good marriage
that straightened him out.
To Sis with love
Ken”

Beneath O’Donnell’s inscription, Dave Powers adds:

“To Senator Smith
Who played a major
part during ‘The Golden
Days of J.F.K.’
My best wishes always
Dave Powers.”

Few individuals were closer to President Kennedy than the three men connected through this remarkable association copy. Benjamin A. Smith II and John F. Kennedy formed a lifelong friendship while roommates at Harvard University, a relationship that continued throughout Kennedy’s political career and presidency. Kenneth O’Donnell and Dave Powers likewise stood among Kennedy’s most trusted confidants, serving as indispensable members of his inner circle from the earliest campaigns through the White House years. Their affectionate inscriptions to Senator Smith underscore the deep personal bond shared among Kennedy’s closest friends and political advisers, elevating this volume well beyond a standard signed book into a meaningful artifact of the Kennedy circle.

The book is accompanied by its original dust jacket.

Very good condition overall. The dust jacket exhibits moderate edge wear, chipping, and rubbing from handling and age, while the interior remains clean with expected light toning.

Kenneth P. O’Donnell (1924–1977) served as one of John F. Kennedy’s closest political advisers, campaign managers, and ultimately Special Assistant to the President. A member of Kennedy’s trusted inner circle from the earliest days of his political career, O’Donnell played a pivotal role in the 1960 presidential campaign and throughout the Kennedy administration before co-authoring Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye, one of the definitive firsthand memoirs of President Kennedy.

Dave Powers (1912–1998) was among John F. Kennedy’s oldest and most loyal friends, serving as a political aide, campaign organizer, and Special Assistant to the President. Present at many of the defining moments of Kennedy’s career, including accompanying the President to Dallas in November 1963, Powers remained a devoted steward of Kennedy’s legacy and later co-authored Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye, offering an intimate perspective on the life and presidency of his lifelong friend.

Provenance: From the estate of Benjamin A. Smith II, Harvard roommate and lifelong friend of President John F. Kennedy, former United States Senator from Massachusetts; accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Benjamin A. Smith III.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11691 1416401-1