INSCRIBED BY RFK TO COMMANDER HANK HIRSCHY

KENNEDY, Robert. The Enemy Within. New York: Harper & Brothers, (1960). Octavo, original olive cloth, original dust jacket. $4000.

First edition, early printing of Robert Kennedy's account of his battle to rid the American labor movement of corruption, inscribed and signed by him on the front free endpaper to a White House staff member: "For Cmdr Hank Hirschy, Best Wishes, Robert Kennedy." With Kennedy's U.S. Senate mailing slip addressed to Hirschy laid in.

In 1957, Kennedy "was named chief counsel of what became known as the Rackets Committee and made a name for himself by uncovering corrupt practices in the Teamsters' Union. In 1959 Kennedy left the committee to write The Enemy Within on his investigation" (ANB). "The point I want to make is this," Kennedy declares: "If we do not on a national scale attack organized criminals with weapons and techniques as effective as their own, they will destroy us" (page 265). Featuring foreword by Arthur Krock and eight pages of black-and-white photographs. Early printing, without first edition statement on copyright page and publisher's code "D-K" indicating an April, 1960 publication date (the first printing was in January 1960). Recipient Lieutenant Henry Hirschy served in the White House from May 1, 1961, through May 31, 1965. Hirschy was the Supply and Logistics Officer for the Military Aides to the President and Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Mess in the White House during both the John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson administrations. Hirschy was the Supply Officer for all of the presidential yachts and all supplies needed at Camp David; he also oversaw the executive dining facilities in the White House. Hirschy worked for President Kennedy helping to coordinate a glittering series of state dinners, receptions, and festivities all over the world during the Camelot years. His duties also included taking care of the President's needs on overseas trips, aboard the presidential yachts and at Camp David. After JFK's death, he continued in this role under Lyndon B. Johnson. With Robert Kennedy's U.S. Senate mailing slip addressed to Hirschy (with Robert Kennedy's printed signature) laid in.

Book near-fine, dust jacket with some edge-wear, bright, clean and very good.