JFK signed book for Queen Elizabeth selling at PFC Auctions

A copy of a book signed and inscribed by John F Kennedy (JFK) to Queen Elizabeth II is currently auctioning at our sister site PFC Auctions, with bidding due to close on December 12.

The copy of Why England Slept, a publication of Kennedy's college thesis on the origins of the second world war, bears the dedication: "To Elizabeth (II) with affection John F Kennedy. (we must not fear to negotiate!)".

JFK Queen thesis PFC
The book was first published in 1940 and sold 80,000 copies in Britain and the United States

It also features the words "is still sleeping" annotated in pencil on the front cover.

Kennedy bought the UK-published version of the book when he visited England to hold cold war talks with Harold Macmillan in June 29-30, 1963.

The Queen was staying in Scotland at the time and sent a handwritten note to Kennedy apologising for having missed his visit.

Click here to view and bid.

Kennedy was the first Catholic president, and had publicly condemned England's historical treatment of Irish Catholics on a visit to Dublin the day before he met with Macmillan.

The words "we must not fear to negotiate" may refer to the words spoken in his inaugural address "Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate."

It is thought that this could be a reference to British rule in Northern Ireland.

The auction features a range of Kennedy memorabilia, including an autographed family photograph and an original White House press release referring to the Cuban missile crisis.

See all the lots here.

Follow the link to sign up to our free newsletter for more of the latest on autographs and other collectibles.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock