JOHN F. KENNEDY,
OWNED COPY OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U.S.

A historically important 1953 copy of The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation that's been personally owned by John F. Kennedy.

The book contains 1361 pages and was printed in 1953 by Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. Hardcover with gilt text to spine and debossed Great Seal of the United States to the front cover.

The front pastedown bears the ownership bookplate of President Kennedy, which consists of the presidential seal over capitalized name text: "John Fitzgerald Kennedy." Accompanied by a Sotheby's auction label, indicating that this book was sold as part of their prestigious "The Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis" sale, which was held in New York on April 23-26, 1996.

The book is presented in a high-end presentation case in blue leather with the Presidential seal embossed on gold on the front cover. The inside bears the text "President John F. Kennedy's personal copy of the Constitution of the United States of America", and the Sotheby's auction tag is affixed below the text.

As a senator from Massachusetts, Kennedy spoke at the National Conference on Constitutional Rights and American Freedom, held in New York on October 12, 1960, and offered these thoughts: "The Constitution is a wonderful document, and it gives great powers to the President and great influence. It is, as Franklin Roosevelt said, above all a place for moral leadership, and as this is a moral question, it is upon the President the central responsibility will bear."

This is arguably one of the most significant and historically important belongings of JFK in existence. The Constitution is the handbook for U.S. Presidents. It's, therefore, impossible to underestimate the value of this book.

Size: Approximately 8.25 x 11.5 in. / 21 x 29 cm (the book).

Condition: The book is in fine vintage condition with signs of use, but still complete and intact.

Provenance: From the collection of President John. F. Kennedy, later owned by his widow, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, from JFK's death in 1963 to Jacqueline's death in 1994. In 1996, the book was sold (along with many other items) by the Kennedy estate via Sotheby's. Letter of Authenticity from Alexander Bitar History.