A Royal Recluse: Memories of Ludwig II of Bavaria.

BERTRAM, Werner. (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis).

Item Number: 90377

Munich: Martin Herpich & Son, 1986.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ copy of this biography of Ludwig II of Bavaria. Octavo, original cloth, frontispiece in color, illustrated. From the estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis with Sotheby’s “The Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis” bookplate to front pastedown. Inscribed on the front free endpaper in pencil, “To Jackie Ludwig P.” The inscriber has added a drawing of a crown and swan.

When John F. Kennedy was sworn in as president on January 20, 1961, 31-year-old Jacqueline Kennedy became the third youngest First Lady in American history. Although Kennedy stated that her priority as a First Lady was to take care of the President and their children, she also dedicated her time to the promotion of American arts and preservation of its history. Her main contribution was the restoration of the White House, but she also furthered the cause by hosting social events that brought together elite figures from politics and the arts. Throughout her husband's presidency and more than any of the preceding First Ladies, Kennedy made many official visits to other countries, on her own or with the President. Despite the initial worry that she might not have "political appeal", she proved popular among international dignitaries. In addition to these well-publicized trips during the three years of the Kennedy administration, she traveled to countries including Afghanistan, Austria, Canada, Colombia, United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Turkey, and Venezuela.