Book excerpt: Based on archival documents and oral histories, these essays explore the primary assumptions and objectives of President John F. Kennedy and his advisors. They examine the influence of the Cold War, global crises, domestic politics, personality and style, and historical lessons in shaping Kennedy's diplomacy, and explain his legacy. The authors address such questions as: What problems and policies did Kennedy inherit from the Eisenhower Administration? What tools or instruments of power did he have at his command in order to pursue his policies? How did he and his advisers go about making and implementing their decisions? How well did they meet their goals and what were the costs? They also explore issues such as the Atlantic alliance, nuclear arms, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the covert war against Fidel Castro, and the Vietnam war. ISBN 0-19-504584-X (pbk.): $13.95.