Let the Word Go Forth

In his own words—JFK at his wisest, wittiest, and most eloquent

In one volume, the writings and speeches of John F. Kennedy reveal a man and President and portray an era as no historian or biographer could. Here are the words that propelled a nation and moved the world. From the best-remembered speeches (“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country”) to the one never delivered that fateful day in Dallas (“. . . words alone are not enough”), longtime Kennedy adviser and key White House aide Theodore Sorensen has put together speeches, important letters, debates, TV and radio interviews, State of the Union addresses, and even impromptu responses during new conferences. The result is an illuminating, moving portrayal of Kennedy’s political career and of the provocative, important ideas that inspired a generation and challenged a country’s conscience as no President before or since has done.

Praise for Let the Word Go Forth

“The best one-volume collection of the . . . magical eloquence of the Kennedy era . . . an indispensable reference.”—The Houston Chronicle

“The words ring . . . A must for all who remember modern Camelot and its leader, President John F. Kennedy.”—Charleston Evening Post

“[Sorensen’s] selections from more than 110 speeches and writings reflect the importance of historical insights in Kennedy’s thoughts and actions.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“Lovingly put together . . . Sorensen has seen fit to include the unusual as well as the expected.”—The Indianapolis Star