Jackie Kennedy's Editing Career: The Stories and Authors She Worked With
Books Edited by Jackie Kennedy
When you think of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, you might think of her as one of the most influential First Ladies, an iconic style figure, or a devoted mother. But do you know that she was also a successful books editor for nearly two decades? From 1975 until her death in 1994, she worked as a consulting editor at Viking Press and Doubleday, where she edited more than a hundred books on various topics, such as history, art, culture, politics, and memoirs. She was not just a celebrity editor who used her name and fame to attract authors, but a dedicated professional who took her job seriously and made a difference in the publishing industry and the reading public.
books edited by jackie kennedy
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In this article, we will explore some of the books that Jackie edited, and how she helped shape them into bestsellers, classics, or gems. We will also see how she influenced the authors she worked with, and how she expressed her own interests, values, and vision through her editorial choices. Whether you are a fan of Jackie or a book lover in general, you will find something to inspire you in this list of books edited by Jackie Kennedy.
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
One of the most well-known books that Jackie edited was The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell, a renowned scholar of comparative mythology and religion. The book is based on a series of interviews that Campbell did with journalist Bill Moyers for a PBS television program of the same name, which aired in 1988. The book and the show explored the role of myths in human history, culture, and psychology, and how they can enrich our lives and awaken our spirituality.
Jackie was instrumental in bringing this book to life. She was a longtime admirer of Campbell's work, and she had met him several times before. She suggested to Moyers that he should interview Campbell for his show, and she persuaded Campbell to agree. She also convinced her boss at Doubleday to acquire the rights to the book, which was not an easy task, as some people thought that the book was too esoteric or obscure for a mainstream audience. Jackie proved them wrong, as the book became a huge hit, selling millions of copies and introducing Campbell's ideas to a wider public.
As an editor, Jackie worked closely with Campbell and Moyers to shape the book from the transcripts of the interviews. She helped them select the most interesting and relevant topics, organize them into chapters and sections, and polish them for clarity and coherence. She also added an introduction and an epilogue to the book, highlighting the importance and beauty of Campbell's message. Jackie was not just an editor, but a collaborator and a friend to Campbell, who dedicated the book to her.
Healing and the Mind by Bill Moyers
Another book that Jackie edited by Bill Moyers was Healing and the Mind, which was also based on a PBS television series that aired in 1993. The book examined the connection between medicine and spirituality, and how different traditions and practices around the world use the power of the mind to heal the body and soul. The book featured interviews with doctors, scientists, healers, and patients who shared their insights and experiences on topics such as holistic medicine, meditation, acupuncture, faith healing, and more.
Jackie was involved in this project from the beginning, as she encouraged Moyers to pursue his interest in alternative medicine and supported his research and travels. She also helped him find some of the people he interviewed for the book, such as the Dalai Lama and a Chinese acupuncturist. As an editor, she assisted Moyers in turning the interviews into a compelling and informative narrative that blended personal stories with scientific evidence. She also wrote a foreword to the book, expressing her own fascination with the subject and its relevance to modern society.
Jackie had a personal stake in this book, as she was battling cancer at the time. She was open to exploring different ways of healing and coping with her illness, and she found comfort and inspiration in Moyers' book. She also hoped that the book would help others who were suffering or seeking wellness.
False Dawn: Women in the Age of the Sun King by Louis Auchincloss
Jackie had a passion for history, especially French history. She had studied French literature at college, and she had visited France several times during her life. She was fluent in French, and she admired French culture, art, and style. One of the books that reflected her interest in this area was False Dawn: Women in the Age of the Sun King by Louis Auchincloss, a prominent American novelist and historian.
The book is a collection of biographical essays about six women who lived in France during the reign of Louis XIV (1638-1715), one of the most powerful and influential monarchs in European history. The women are: Anne of Austria (the mother of Louis XIV), Louise de la Vallière (the first mistress of Louis XIV), Madame de Maintenon (the second wife of Louis XIV), Madame de Montespan (the most famous mistress of Louis XIV), Madame de Sévigné (a witty aristocrat who wrote famous letters), and Madame de Lafayette (a pioneering novelist who wrote The Princess of Clèves).
Secrets of Marie Antoinette: A Collection of Letters by Olivier Bernier
Another book that Jackie edited about French history was Secrets of Marie Antoinette: A Collection of Letters by Olivier Bernier, a French-American historian and biographer. The book is a selection of letters written by or to Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the French Revolution. The letters span from her childhood in Austria to her imprisonment and execution in Paris, and reveal her personality, emotions, opinions, and relationships with her family, friends, and enemies.
Jackie was fascinated by Marie Antoinette, and she had visited Versailles and other places associated with her. She was also friends with Bernier, whom she had met at a dinner party in New York. She agreed to edit his book, and she helped him choose the most interesting and relevant letters from a large collection. She also suggested him to add some historical context and commentary to the letters, to make them more accessible and understandable to the readers. She also wrote a blurb for the book, praising it as a "unique portrait" of the doomed queen.
As an editor, Jackie brought her sensitivity and empathy to the book, and she tried to show Marie Antoinette as a complex and human figure, rather than a caricature or a symbol. She also wanted to share her passion for French history and culture with the American public.
Tiffany's 150 Years by John Loring
Jackie was not only interested in history, but also in art and style. She had a refined taste and an eye for beauty, and she was always looking for new trends and inspirations. One of the books that reflected her interest in this area was Tiffany's 150 Years by John Loring, a former design director of Tiffany & Co., the famous jewelry company. The book is a celebration of the history and legacy of Tiffany & Co., from its founding in 1837 to its present status as a global icon of luxury and elegance. The book showcases the stunning creations of Tiffany & Co., such as jewelry, silverware, lamps, clocks, and more, as well as the stories behind them.
Jackie was a loyal customer and admirer of Tiffany & Co., and she had a personal connection with the company. She had received several gifts from Tiffany & Co., such as a pearl necklace from John F. Kennedy on their wedding day, and a silver cigarette box from Aristotle Onassis on their engagement. She had also commissioned Tiffany & Co. to design the official White House china in 1961, which featured a border of gold stars on a blue background. She had befriended Loring, who shared her love for art and design.
As an editor, Jackie worked closely with Loring to produce the book, which was published in 1987 to mark the 150th anniversary of Tiffany & Co. She helped him select the images and texts for the book, and she gave him feedback and suggestions on the layout and style. She also wrote an introduction to the book, expressing her admiration for Tiffany & Co. and its contribution to American culture.
World of Ideas by Bill Moyers
A third book that Jackie edited by Bill Moyers was World of Ideas, which was also based on a PBS television series that aired in 1988-1990. The book featured interviews with influential thinkers and writers from various fields and disciplines, such as philosophy, literature, science, religion, politics, and more. The book explored some of the most important ideas and issues of our time, such as democracy, freedom, morality, creativity, identity, and more.
World of Ideas by Bill Moyers
A third book that Jackie edited by Bill Moyers was World of Ideas, which was also based on a PBS television series that aired in 1988-1990. The book featured interviews with influential thinkers and writers from various fields and disciplines, such as philosophy, literature, science, religion, politics, and more. The book explored some of the most important ideas and issues of our time, such as democracy, freedom, morality, creativity, identity, and more.
Jackie was involved in this project from the start, as she shared Moyers' curiosity and passion for learning. She helped him select the guests for the show and the book, and she suggested some of the questions and topics to be discussed. She also edited the transcripts of the interviews, making sure they were clear, concise, and engaging. She also wrote a preface to the book, expressing her admiration for Moyers and his guests, and her hope that the book would stimulate the readers' minds and hearts.
As an editor, Jackie brought her intelligence and insight to the book, and she tried to showcase the diversity and richness of human thought and expression. She also wanted to share her love for books and ideas with the American public.
Joseph Campbell: A Fire in the Mind by Stephen Larsen
Another book that Jackie edited about one of her favorite authors was Joseph Campbell: A Fire in the Mind by Stephen Larsen, a psychologist and a former student of Campbell. The book is a biography of Joseph Campbell, the scholar of comparative mythology and religion who wrote The Hero with a Thousand Faces and other influential works. The book chronicles Campbell's life and work, from his childhood in New York to his travels around the world, from his academic career to his popular lectures and interviews. The book also explores Campbell's ideas and insights on myths, symbols, stories, and spirituality.
Jackie had a deep admiration and affection for Campbell, whom she had met through Moyers. She had attended some of his lectures at the New York Public Library, and she had watched his television series with Moyers, The Power of Myth. She had also edited Campbell's posthumous book The Inner Reaches of Outer Space. She agreed to edit Larsen's biography of Campbell, and she helped him shape the book from his extensive research and interviews. She also wrote a foreword to the book, expressing her gratitude and respect for Campbell and his legacy.
At the Zoo by Paul Simon
One of the most unusual and fun books that Jackie edited was At the Zoo by Paul Simon, a famous singer-songwriter and half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel. The book is a children's picture book that turns Simon's 1967 song "At the Zoo" into a colorful and whimsical story. The book follows a boy and a girl as they visit the Central Park Zoo and meet different animals, such as monkeys, elephants, zebras, and more. The book uses the lyrics of the song as the text, and adds some illustrations by Valerie Michaut to bring them to life.
Jackie was a fan of Simon's music, and she had met him through Moyers. She had also edited his book Lyrics 1964-2008, a collection of his songs. She agreed to edit his children's book, and she helped him adapt his song into a book format. She also suggested him to make some changes and additions to the lyrics, to make them more suitable and appealing for young readers. She also wrote a blurb for the book, praising it as a "delightful" and "charming" gift for children.
As an editor, Jackie brought her creativity and joy to the book, and she tried to capture the humor and imagination of Simon's song. She also wanted to share her love for music and animals with the children.
The Last Tsar: The Life and Death of Nicholas II by Edvard Radzinsky
Another book that Jackie edited about history was The Last Tsar: The Life and Death of Nicholas II by Edvard Radzinsky, a Russian playwright and historian. The book is a biography of Nicholas II, the last emperor of Russia, who was overthrown by the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and executed with his family in 1918. The book draws on newly discovered sources, such as diaries, letters, memoirs, and testimonies, to reveal new details and perspectives on Nicholas II's life, reign, downfall, and death.
Jackie was interested in Russian history, and she had visited Russia in 1976 with her daughter Caroline. She was also friends with Radzinsky, whom she had met at a literary festival in Italy. She agreed to edit his book, which was translated from Russian by Marian Schwartz. She helped him select and organize the material for the book, and she gave him feedback and suggestions on the style and tone. She also wrote an introduction to the book, expressing her fascination with Nicholas II's story and its relevance to our time.
Lost in the Taiga: One Russian Family's Fifty-Year Struggle for Survival and Religious Freedom in the Siberian Wilderness by Vasily Peskov
One of the most remarkable and moving books that Jackie edited was Lost in the Taiga: One Russian Family's Fifty-Year Struggle for Survival and Religious Freedom in the Siberian Wilderness by Vasily Peskov, a Russian journalist, photographer, and ecologist. The book tells the story of the Lykov family, a group of Old Believers who fled to the Siberian taiga in 1936 to escape religious persecution and lived there in complete isolation until 1978, when they were discovered by a team of geologists. The book describes their harsh and simple life, their faith and traditions, their joys and sorrows, and their encounters with the modern world.
Jackie was intrigued by this story, and she had read Peskov's articles about the Lykovs in Komsomolskaya Pravda, a Russian newspaper. She contacted Peskov and asked him to write a book based on his articles, which he agreed to do. She also helped him find a translator, Marian Schwartz, who translated the book from Russian to English. As an editor, she helped Peskov shape the book from his extensive research and interviews. She also wrote a blurb for the book, praising it as a "stunning" and "unforgettable" account of human endurance and dignity.
As an editor, Jackie brought her sensitivity and empathy to the book, and she tried to convey the Lykovs' extraordinary experience and spirit. She also wanted to share their story with the world, as a testament of their courage and faith.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored some of the books that Jackie edited during her career as a books editor at Viking Press and Doubleday. We have seen how she helped shape these books into bestsellers, classics, or gems, and how she influenced the authors she worked with. We have also seen how she expressed her own interests, values, and vision through her editorial choices.
Jackie was not just an editor, but a mentor, a collaborator, a friend, and a fan to many writers. She was also a reader, a learner, a lover of books and ideas. She had a passion for history, art, culture, politics, and memoirs. She had a refined taste and an eye for beauty. She had a curiosity and a passion for learning. She had a sensitivity and an empathy for people.
Jackie left behind a legacy of books that reflect her personality and spirit. She also left behind an example of how to live a life full of grace, style, and substance. She once said: "Books are my life." And what a life it was.
FAQs
When did Jackie start working as a books editor?
Jackie started working as a books editor in 1975 at Viking Press. She moved to Doubleday in 1978 and stayed there until her death in 1994.
How many books did she edit in total?
Jackie edited more than 100 books in total during her career as a books editor.
Which genres or topics did she prefer to edit?
Jackie preferred to edit books on history, art, culture, politics, and memoirs. She also liked books that had a personal or human touch.
How was her editing style or approach?
FAQs
When did Jackie start working as a books editor?
Jackie started working as a books editor in 1975 at Viking Press. She moved to Doubleday in 1978 and stayed there until her death in 1994.
How many books did she edit in total?
Jackie edited more than 100 books in total during her career as a books editor.
Which genres or topics did she prefer to edit?
Jackie preferred to edit books on history, art, culture, politics, and memoirs. She also liked books that had a personal or human touch.
How was her editing style or approach?
Jackie was known for being supportive, respectful, and collaborative with her authors. She gave them feedback and suggestions, but she did not impose her views or change their voice. She also added introductions, forewords, blurbs, or epilogues to some of the books, highlighting their importance and beauty.
Did she write any books herself?
Jackie did not write any books herself, but she contributed to some books as an editor or a co-author. For example, she co-authored One Special Summer with her sister Lee Radziwill in 1974, and she edited The Best-Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 2001.
This is the end of the article. I hope you enjoyed reading it and learned something new about Jackie Kennedy and the books she edited. Thank you for your attention and your feedback. 71b2f0854b