Description
Just Friends and Brave Enemies, a first edition first printing, inscribed by Robert F. Kennedy to historian Arthur Schlesinger.
Octavo, xi, [blank], 211pp. Publishers black cloth, gilt title on spine. 16 pages of black and white illustrations. Stated first edition on copyright page, with “F-M” noting publication in August, 1962. Publishers first issue dust jacket, with $3.95 price on front flap and “0862” code at bottom, light fading to spine, creases along top edge of spine, mild dampstaining to back cover, two scratches to front panel. Housed in custom made clamshell case, blue cloth, title in gilt over red morocco label on spine, fine. Signed on front endpaper by Robert Kennedy to author, historian and family friend, Arthur Schlesinger. Inscription reads: “For Arthur, with the esteem of a friend and fellow author, Bob Kennedy.” An incredible association copy.
Comments: At the suggestion of Robert Kennedy, author and historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. was given the position of Special Assistant to the President in the administration of John F. Kennedy. He served as a speechwriter and “court historian” for the administration. After the untimely death of President Kennedy, Schlesinger would write one of the definitive biographies of the Kennedy Administration called “A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House.” At the request of Ethel Kennedy, the widowed wife of Robert Kennedy, Schlesinger would write the biography of his late friend called “Robert Kennedy and His Times.”
