Profiles in Courage For Our Time Hardcover – May 1, 2002

I have the original written by Caroline's father John, desperately wanted this for my collection. Still need to read it,

Like it

The "profiles" in this update to JFK's classic, are varied in both their subjects and their presentation. These accounts are not uniform in quality. Most stirring are those with a personal flavor such as Bob Woodward's profile of Gerald Ford, wherein we see a hidden profile of Woodward as well. However, others seem either too detached or tediously narrative, such as Michael Daly's "The Irish Peacemakers" which outlines the alphabet soup of the political/religious strife in Ireland, but does little to connect the overall themes of courage to anything outside the situation.It is a good read, but not all the selections hold interest. I'd recommend particular excerpts for good classroom reading. I also commend the acknowledgement of politicians, leaders, and activists on both local and global levels.

it was as inspirational as her father's book - has proven herself to be a very inspiritional writer very informative

Dust cover not in "new" condition. Can't use for gift.

This book is a compilation of short biographies of the winners of the Profile in Courage Award. It is a group effort, being the work of numerous historians and writers. I found these stories inspiring because many of them illuminate political leaders who took actions they knew would be detrimental to their careers. Yes, most of the award winners have been on the liberal side, but personally I find that a healthy antidote to the sort of "leadership" the mainstream media prefers to applaud these days. And don't forget good old Gerald Ford, whose biography (by Bob Woodward, no less) eloquently makes his case for his pardoning of Richard Nixon. Many readers will disagree with some of the choices for the awards and with some of the conclusions of the authors of these biographies. Nevertheless Profiles in Courage For Our Time is an inspiring effort meant to remind us of the highest qualities we should expect from our leadership.

Everyone profiled was either a close friend of Kennedy's or advanced the political agenda of the Kennedy foundation. This book is not about 'politicians who courageously risked their careers over ideals' but about politicians whose ideological work is in line with Kennedy Foundation agenda. They also tossed in a mention of the 9/11 firefighters, who while heroic, don't match the book's premise.One profiled person deserved to be in the book -- Carl Elliot Sr, a man who died penniless because he supported civil rights in the deep south. Yes, he was a close personal friend of JFK, but unlike other men in this book, his courage ruined his political career and he was historically vindicated. This guy could be in the first Profiles.The most undeserving man is Weicker, who lied about tax legislation to get elected in Connecticut, then cut corporate taxes and implemented a budget balancing flat tax. This gave to the rich and took from the poor. While the Kennedys may pay less taxes, this was not a courageous man.Overall, a flawed imitation of the first Profiles of Courage, not worth your time unless you also share the ideals of the Kennedy Foundation, which appears to be the main criteria for selection. A trade on JFK's reputation without substance.

Nearly fifty years have passed since the publication of John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage, the then - senator's Pulitzer prize - winning homage to American political greatness. The people selected for that book represented the rich legacy of individual courage in the pursuit of justice that belonged to America at mid - century.To recognize annually the continuing presence of these qualities across the broad spectrum of American public service, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation created the Profile in Courage Award in 1989. The recipients - a diverse group of men and woman who share the distinction of being elected officials at the national, state, or local level - have each served their country by taking a stand in the face of public opinion or political pressure. And just as the Profile in Courage Award celebrates their exceptional achievements, Profiles in Courage for Our Time, edited and introduced by Caroline Kennedy, recognizes that the journey of conscience undertaken by each of these courageous public servants is a story that must be told.Some of the greatest writers have bought their formidable talents to the task of chronicling these heroic episodes. Michael Beschloss, Anna Quindlen, Bob Woodward, Marian Wright Edelman, among other luminaries, provide the award winners the eloquence and passion they deserve in recording their experiences.Profiles in Courage for Our Time is not only a record of past accomplishments, but also inspires us to always ask more of ourselves in the effort to bring about change for the greater good.