This book was published to commemorate the 40th anniversary of John F Kennedy's assassination in Dallas on 22 November 1963. The book comprises a meticulous collection of the best photographs of his life - in both colour and black and white - many of which are previously unpublished, together with campaign memorabilia and personal notes that expose the behind-the-scenes story of the youngest man to be elected president.

In 304 pages, the volume includes over 250 images illustrating the glamour and success of John F Kennedy's life, from childhood and student days to congress, fatherhood and the presidency, revealing the tragedy of his untimely death. The book also includes a biography, famous quotes, handwritten documents and correspondence, in a celebration of his life.

Born 29 May, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the second of a family of nine children. He was named after his maternal grandfather, but soon everyone was calling him Jack. His family was of Irish Catholic descent, with a well established history in politics: his two grandfathers competed over many years for the mayorship of Boston. After graduating from Harvard in 1940, John Kennedy entered the Navy where he distinguished himself as a war hero. When he returned from the war he became a Democratic Congressman, advancing in 1953 to the Senate. He married Jacqueline Bouvier on 12 September 1953 and in 1955 wrote Profiles in Courage, which won the Pulitzer Prize in History. In 1961 he became the first Roman Catholic and youngest man to be elected President of the United States.

This is the first book to illustrate extensively the family man as well as the world leader. Its eclectic and wide-ranging compilation of photographs - selected for their power and poignancy - pays an extraordinary tribute to one of the most revered political leaders of the twentieth century.