Signed book: Why England Slept. Later printing. NY: Wilfred Funk Inc., 1940. Hardcover, 5.75 x 8.25, 252 pages. Inscribed on the first free end page in an unknown hand, “To my favorite land lady from the author’s brother,” and signed underneath, “John F. Kennedy.” In very good condition, with light toning to signed page, a bit heavier toning and soiling to pastedowns and last free end page, light sunning to spine, and scattered soiling and moderate rubbing and surface loss to boards.
Kennedy’s book, originally intended to be no more than a college thesis, offers an appraisal of the tragic events of the thirties that led to World War II. The book provides an account of England's unpreparedness for war and a study of the shortcomings of democracy when confronted by the menace of totalitarianism. Rated magna cum laude and cum laude plus by his Harvard professor’s, Kennedy’s father pushed the book to publication. The book sold 80,000 copies in England and the US, collecting $40,000 in royalties. While proceeds of English sales were donated to the town of Plymouth, England, recently bombed by the Luftwaffe, Kennedy bought himself a new Buick convertible with the income from the American sales. A desirable title unsigned, Kennedy’s period signature and the addition of the interesting inscription, combine to present an early item on Kennedy’s path to greatness. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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