JFK: Pursuit of the Presidency, 1956-1961

A brilliant young presidential candidate revolutionizes American politics in this landmark volume of Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Fredrik Logevall’s JFK trilogy—a masterful account of Kennedy’s rise in the first truly modern campaign and a case study in the consolidation of power.

In the years since his victory, John F. Kennedy’s 1960 election win has become the stuff of American legend. The defining elements of this campaign are widely remembered: the first televised debates against Richard Nixon, national anxieties over the Cold War, concerns over the candidate’s Catholicism and relative inexperience, and the Kennedy clan joining Jack on the campaign trail. But Kennedy’s victory was never assured, nor was he as infallible as the mythical retellings lead us to believe.

In the second installment of his award-winning JFK trilogy, Pulitzer Prize winner Fredrik Logevall pulls back the curtain, unearthing the vital saga buried beneath one of the most consequential elections in American history—and the man behind it. Starting with Kennedy’s star turn at the 1956 Democratic Convention and ending with his inauguration in 1961, JFK: The Path to the Presidency, 1956-1961 is the story of a young politician and his trailblazing strategy that remade what a presidential candidate, and his campaign, could be.

Logevall reveals Kennedy’s incredible drive to start earlier and work harder than his competitors, but also his struggles during this pivotal period: his troubled marriage, questions about how to win over voters as a Catholic, and doubts about his forward-looking message. And with his historian’s eye, Logevall places Kennedy in the cultural milieu of America in the late 1950s—increasingly suburban and interconnected, the struggle for racial equality reaching a watershed moment, Communism now perilously close to home.

Deeply researched yet vibrantly novelistic, JFK is a propulsive, behind-the-scenes history of the making of an American legend, and a portrait of a man—and country—discovering the importance of meeting challenges head on, without fear or hesitation.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs