In "Kennedy's Quest for Victory," Thomas G. Paterson orchestrates a compelling reevaluation of John F. Kennedy's approach to foreign policy, challenging the rose-tinted narratives that have long pervaded American historical consciousness. Through a meticulously curated collection of essays, Paterson and his fellow historians peel back the layers of Kennedy's diplomacy, revealing the complexities and contradictions that defined his presidency. With insights drawn from an extensive review of archival materials and oral histories, this volume sheds new light on Kennedy's strategies during some of the most precarious moments of the Cold War and beyond, from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the burgeoning conflict in Vietnam. Paterson's work not only scrutinizes Kennedy's actions on the global stage—ranging from his dealings in Latin America and the Middle East to his efforts in combating nuclear proliferation and promoting the Peace Corps—but also delves into the less explored territories of his foreign policy ambitions and missteps. The narrative that unfolds is one of a leader whose quest for victory was often hamstrung by the very qualities that defined his public persona: charisma clouded by arrogance, idealism undercut by impatience, and a penchant for globalism that led to overcommitment. "Kennedy's Quest for Victory" invites readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of a presidency marked by high stakes and higher ambitions, offering a nuanced portrait of a man whose legacy is as fraught as it is fascinating.