John and Jackie Kennedy’s personally-owned leatherbound photograph album commemorating their family vacation on Hyannisport in 1959, measuring 13.75 x 11, and housing an assemblage of ten glossy 13.25 x 8.75 candid photos. Photos are mounted on boards with rounded corners, on each side of a single leaf. There are five leaves, for a total of ten portraits. The images were taken by photographer Mark Shaw, who was assigned by Life magazine to photograph Jackie during her husband’s ‘informal campaign’ for the presidency. The Kennedys are portrayed during their halcyon days, relaxing and playing with their daughter Caroline, or simply cruising about the harbor or enjoying their gorgeous waterfront property. Jackie is pictured in all but one of the photographs, an image of John walking alone, away from the compound and towards the dunes, which he later affirmed as his favorite picture of himself. One of the photos appears to have been taken at the Kennedy’s home in Georgetown, and depicts John lifting up their daughter as Jackie looks on. Expertly bound and presented by E. B. Michelman of New York. In fine condition. Given the album front’s gilt lettered title of “The First Family,” this photographic collection was no doubt bestowed and presented to the Kennedy family during their time in the White House. A romantic glimpse into pre-Camelot days, this album shows John and Jackie in a casual, intimate light—the future president ever cool and collected, his first lady the unmistakable star of this unique keepsake.
