PROFILES IN COURAGE

In 1954-55 a freshman U.S. Senator from Massachusetts wrote a book profiling eight of his historical Senatorial colleagues, such men as John Quincy Adams, Sam Houston, and Robert A. Taft. Instead of focusing on their storied careers, John F. Kennedy chose to illustrate their acts of integrity, when they stood alone against tremendous political and social pressure for what they felt was right. This abridged audio is introduced by Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, and the text is read admirably by the late John F. Kennedy, Jr. There is a sense of family legacy and pride about the president's children taking part in the project. At some point, however, one aches to hear the distinctive voice of JFK himself. That wish is fulfilled superbly on the fourth CD, which includes three speeches written and delivered by Kennedy while president--sounding so distant and yet so familiar. Kennedy's Inaugural Address alone more than illustrates why both the man and the twentieth-century icon still captivate our nation, and the world, to this day. B.P. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 03]