Details:

Patricia Kennedy Lawford personally inscribed and signed this copy of That Shining Hour to Benjamin A. Smith II, writing on the front free endpaper, “For Ben, Sincerely, Pat Kennedy Lawford. June 1969.” Published in 1969, That Shining Hour is a moving memorial volume compiled by President John F. Kennedy’s sister following the assassination of her brother, Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Through poetry, prose, and photographs, the book reflects upon grief, hope, and remembrance while honoring Robert F. Kennedy’s life and enduring legacy.

Benjamin A. Smith II was John F. Kennedy’s Harvard roommate, one of his closest lifelong friends, and later served as United States Senator from Massachusetts, succeeding Edward Brooke in 1960 after Kennedy appointed him to the U.S. Senate following his election to the presidency. Smith remained a trusted confidant of the Kennedy family for decades, and books, letters, and personal gifts exchanged between the Kennedys and Smith provide a remarkable glimpse into one of the most enduring personal relationships in American political history. The June 1969 inscription was written just weeks after the publication of the book and during a period when the Kennedy family continued to mourn Robert F. Kennedy’s death while honoring his memory.

Very good condition overall. Light scattered foxing to several preliminary pages with minor expected handling wear. A clean, well-preserved inscribed example.

Patricia Kennedy Lawford (1924–2006) was the eighth child of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, and the younger sister of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy. An active participant in her brothers’ political careers, she remained a devoted advocate for humanitarian and charitable causes throughout her life. Following Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1968, she compiled That Shining Hour as a heartfelt tribute to her brother, creating one of the family’s most personal published memorials.

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 documenting direct family ownership.

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

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Reference sku: 11691 1416402-1