Capturing Camelot: Stanley Tretick's Iconic Images of the Kennedys

Mostly what I've known of Kitty Kelley's work (which I have to say I've never read) is the controversial nature of her celebrity biographies. So this book came as a surprise to me. It's a tribute to photographer Stanley Tretick, who captured many images of JFK and the Kennedy clan. She tells his story through his photos, personal writings, and oral history interviews. The pictures of a legendary family are captivating and so are the stories behind the pictures.

I enjoyed the historic and charming photos of JFK and his family in this book about Stanley Tretick, photographer. When I saw this was written by Kitty Kelley, I worried that it would be too gossipy and perhaps not backed up by proof. Luckily, this book is primarily a legacy to Kitty's close friend, Stanley, so the focus is on Tretick's photos. Most of the details are directly from his notes. There weren't any attempts to denigrate the Kennedys; Tretick's frustration with Jackie's restrictions were the only issues.

A consummate photojournalist, Stanley Tretick was sent by United Press International to follow the Kennedy campaign of 1960. The photographer soon befriended the candidate and took many of JFK's best pictures during this time. When Kennedy took office, Tretick was given extensive access to the White House, and the picture magazine Look hired him to cover the president and his family. Tretick is best known today for the photographs he took of President Kennedy relaxing with his children. His photographs helped define the American family of the early sixties and lent Kennedy an endearing credibility that greatly contributed to his popularity.
Accompanied by an insightful, heartwarming essay from Kitty Kelley―Tretick's close show more friend―about the relationship between the photographer and JFK, Capturing Camelot includes some of the most memorable images of America's Camelot and brings to life the uniquely hopeful historical era from which it emerged. show less