The Day Kennedy Died: LIFE Remembers the Man and the Moment

The assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, on November 22, 1963, in Dallas's Dealey Plaza, marked a tragic moment in American history. LIFE magazine, the renowned pictorial chronicle of events, was quickly on the scene to document this momentous occasion.

For over 50 years, the Kennedys had been a constant presence in the pages of LIFE. From the cover stories featuring Jack and Jackie before they were married, to the intimate glimpses into their life in the White House, the magazine had enjoyed unparalleled access. LIFE's photographers, such as Cecil Stoughton, captured poignant moments, like the playful interactions of Caroline and John-John in the Oval Office, and the behind-the-scenes tensions during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

When the tragedy struck in Dallas, LIFE was there to bear witness. The iconic Zapruder film, which recorded the assassination in chilling detail, first appeared in the magazine, acquired exclusively by LIFE's Richard B. Stolley. Stolley also conducted interviews with Dallas police, Kennedy administration officials, and members of the Oswald family, providing a comprehensive account of the event.

In the aftermath, LIFE secured the first conversation Jackie Kennedy had after the murder, in which she eloquently described the "Camelot" her late husband had envisioned for the country. This interview, along with a wealth of rarely seen photos and personal stories from prominent figures, is now revisited in a commemorative book.

The book features: - All 486 frames of the Zapruder film in print for the first time - An essay by Richard B. Stolley on how he obtained the iconic footage - A personal account from Alexandra Zapruder, the filmmaker's granddaughter, on the impact of the film on her family - Reflections from Barbra Streisand, Maya Angelou, Jimmy Carter, and other notable figures on where they were when they heard the news - Rarely seen photos from the TIME/LIFE archive, including Allan Grant's photo essay on the Oswald family - A foreword by historian David McCullough - A full reprint of LIFE's 1963 issue covering the events in Dallas - LIFE's "Camelot" interview with Jackie Kennedy, as well as the story behind it - A new essay on the lasting legacy of conspiracy theories by J.I. Baker

The Kennedys' story has been intertwined with LIFE's for generations, and this commemorative book serves as a poignant tribute to a tragic moment in American history that continues to captivate and inspire.

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