Profiles in Courage

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This Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, written by John F. Kennedy in 1955, serves as a clarion call to Americans. The author profiles eight historical figures known for their remarkable integrity in the face of significant opposition, including John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Thomas Hart Benton, and Robert A. Taft. More than half a century later, the book remains a powerful testament to the indomitable national spirit and a celebration of human virtue. It offers timeless lessons on courage and resilience, reminding readers of the strength of the human spirit. As Robert Kennedy notes in the foreword, the work is “not just stories of the past but a book of hope and confidence for the future.” The text emphasizes that the fate of the country and the world hinges on how we honor the legacies of those who came before us. Accompanied by vintage photographs, an extensive author biography, Kennedy's correspondence regarding the project, contemporary reviews, a letter from Ernest Hemingway, and two inspiring speeches from recipients of the Profile in Courage Award, the book remains a relevant and moving exploration of integrity and moral courage. The introduction is provided by Caroline Kennedy, and the foreword by Robert F. Kennedy.