Lovely soft-cover "Mother's Manual" gifted to President-elect John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy upon the birth of their son John F. Kennedy, Jr. on November 25, 1960. Published in 1950 by A. F. Coomes, the pocket booklet measures 2.75" x 4.25", and is inscribed on the front paste down, "To Mrs. Kennedy, I hope Our Blessed Mother will always hear your prayers. Guide you and your family in everything you do. Love, Marie Ippolito." The booklet also contains eight prayer cards, two of which are inscribed on the reverse: "for Mrs. John F. Kennedy," and "To Caroline, from Nancy." In fine condition.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Mary Barelli Gallagher, the secretary to Senator John F. Kennedy and then later to First Lady Jackie Kennedy, in part: "This baby gift is one of the many gifts that had arrived daily to the home of President—Elect and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, 3307 N St. N. W., Georgetown, Washington, D.C. on the occasion of John Jr.'s Birth...Mrs. Kennedy would ask that I prepare a letter of thanks to the sender for her to sign, and this is one of the gifts that she offered me to take home. I donated the vast majority of these gifts to various charities, others I gave away to friends, relatives, etc., keeping the more interesting ones, such as this, for myself (as told in Chapter 8 - "John-John," pages 61-62, of my book that is referenced below)"
Provenance: Ex-Bonhams March 9, 2017 sale; Ex-Mary Barelli Gallagher. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.