Details:

A deluxe secretarially signed inaugural edition of Profiles in Courage presented by the White House and originating from the estate of Benjamin A. Smith II, Harvard roommate of President John F. Kennedy, lifelong friend of the Kennedy family, and former United States Senator from Massachusetts. Bound in full blue leather with decorative gilt borders and housed in its original blue presentation slipcase featuring the presidential seal, the volume contains the printed presentation page reading: “This copy presented to: In recognition of his friendship and generous support to the Democratic Cause,” followed by a secretarially executed “John Kennedy” signature.

Importantly, the signature is not in the hand of President Kennedy and is a secretarial signature. Such presentation volumes were commonly distributed by the White House to political supporters, friends, and associates, often utilizing secretarial signatures rather than personally signed examples. The book itself is the attractive inaugural edition printed in 1961 following Kennedy’s election to the presidency.

Benjamin A. Smith II (1916–1991) was among John F. Kennedy’s closest lifelong friends. The two met while students at Harvard University and maintained a close friendship throughout Kennedy’s political career and presidency. Following Kennedy’s election to the White House, Smith was appointed to fill JFK’s vacant United States Senate seat, serving as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1960 to 1962. Smith occupied a unique place in American political history as both Kennedy’s Harvard roommate and the man selected to succeed him in the Senate.

Originally published in 1956, Profiles in Courage earned Kennedy the Pulitzer Prize for Biography and remains one of the most important political books associated with his career. White House presentation copies issued during the Kennedy administration are highly collectible, particularly when preserved in their original deluxe bindings and presentation cases.

Good condition overall. The leather binding remains attractive with light expected handling wear. The original presentation slipcase is present and shows minor wear from storage and use. Interior pages remain clean and well preserved.

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 1416373-1