John Fitzgerald Kennedy, or as he is known by almost the whole world even half a century after his death, JFK, war hero, young champion of freedom and democracy, mythical statesman of America. A political adventurer with a messy background, a lover of Marilyn Monroe, a mediocre leader. His career, character and shocking death are the subject of conflicting interpretations and conspiracy theories, while the man himself remains shrouded in obscurity to this day.

Fredrik Logevall, a renowned historian who teaches at Harvard, spent seven years researching the "real" JFK, and the fruit of this work is the first comprehensive biography of the 35th president of the United States. The first volume of his amazingly detailed and whirlwind work shows how the Kennedys became America's number one political clan from a poor Irish immigrant family, and what defining experiences shaped JFK's illness-stricken childhood, restless university years, and the fateful events of World War II leading to the presidency on the way.

Fredrik Logevall's biography of Kennedy is essential reading for those who want to understand the most iconic political leader of the second half of the 20th century and, through him, America's heyday.

"In his fascinating book, Fredrik Logevall convincingly proves that Kennedy was a much more exciting, profound and remarkable figure than the clichés about him in the public mind. JFK - The Boy Who Grew Up With America authentically captures Kennedy's life and age."
(The Washington Post)