Portrait of a President, William Manchester
Portrait of a President, William Manchester
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Portrait of a President

Author: William Manchester

Narrator: Joe Barrett

Unabridged: 6 hr 36 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/18/2020

Synopsis

An up-close look at John F. Kennedy by one of his closest confidants, a New York Times–bestselling biographerWritten by a prize-winning historian and biographer of such giants as Winston S. Churchill and Douglas MacArthur, this intimately detailed account provides a rare personal glimpse into the emotions behind the Kennedy administration—from the elation of victory to the frustrating challenges facing a young president at a pivotal turning point in US history.Originally published in 1962—before the assassination of JFK—Portrait of a President is William Manchester’s first biography of the thirty-fifth president of the United States. In addition to firsthand encounters with JFK, the biography draws from over forty interviews conducted in the first year of his presidency. In speaking with those closest to the commander-in-chief, both in his administration and his family, Manchester captures a complete portrait of one of the most highly regarded figures of the twentieth century.This edition includes a new introduction and epilogue written by Manchester in the aftermath of November 1963, adding to the mythos by documenting not just how President Kennedy lived but also the legacy he left behind.

About William Manchester

William Manchester was a hugely successful popular historian and biographer whose books include The Last Lion, Volumes 1 and 2, Goodbye Darkness, A World Lit Only by Fire, The Glory and the Dream, The Arms of Krupp, American Caesar, The Death of the President, and assorted works of journalism.

About Joe Barrett

Joe Barrett began his acting career at the age of five in the basement of his family's home in upstate New York. He has gone on to play many stage roles, both on and off-Broadway, and in regional theaters from Los Angeles, Houston, and St. Louis to Washington DC, San Francisco, and Portland, Maine. He has appeared in films and television, both prime time and late night, and in hundreds of television and radio commercials. Joe has narrated over two hundred audiobooks. He has been an Audie Award finalist eight times, and his narration of Gun Church by Reed Farrel Coleman won the 2013 Audie Award for Original Work. AudioFile magazine has granted Joe fourteen Earphones Awards, including for James Salter's All That Is and Donald Katz's Home Fires. Regarding Joe's narration of John Irving's A Prayer For Owen Meany, AudioFile said, "This moving book comes across like a concerto . . . with a soloist-Owen's voice-rising from the background of an orchestral narration." Joe is married to actor Andrea Wright, and together they have four very grown children.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Dayla on September 26, 2024

One of the most interesting vignettes was about Jackie’s athleticism. The summer after her husband was killed, Jackie Kennedy went with the author, William Manchester, and other friends on a boat where Jackie showed off her water skiing skills. Apparently, she was so good, that she chose to ski on o......more

Goodreads review by Nathan on July 21, 2024

Not an indepth look or a bio, but that is not what Manchester promises. He offers a portrait; a single look at a singular man which affords a glimpse beyond the myth, into the person behind it. Manchester's writing was always refreshingly honest, and he allows his own views to unabashedly come throu......more

Goodreads review by John on March 24, 2025

Insightful Description of an Iconic President Well-written account of the author’s experience, in his interviews and interactions with John F, Kennedy and the issues of his presidency.......more

Goodreads review by S.L. on November 05, 2015

William Manchester's biographical account of President John F. Kennedy (1967 edition) was illuminating and fascinating, in an anecdotal way. If you're familiar with West Wing or any other series that feature the daily lives of presidents, officials, and staffers inside the White House, Portrait of a......more

Goodreads review by Jane on October 16, 2018

Kennedy Story This is a personal book z written by a friend of Kennedy's . However it does a great deal to tell (remind?)is of how much he was admired and loved. It is worth reading and I reccomend, especially to those who are too young to remember him.......more

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