Mona Lisa in Camelot: How Jacqueline Kennedy and Da Vinci's Masterpiece Charmed and Captivated a Nation

by Margaret Leslie Davis

Book Overview

In December 1962, Da Vinci's Mona Lisa set sail from Paris to New York for what was arguably the riskiest art exhibition ever mounted. The fragile icon traveled like a head of state, with armed guards and military surveillance, in a temperature-controlled vault. Masterminding the entire show was First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who tirelessly campaigned to persuade National Gallery Director John Walker, French President Charles de Gaulle, and her own...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738211036
• ISBN13: 9780738211039
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.7" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Mona Lisa painting and the graceful and charming First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, joined forces to uni

Mona Lisa in Camelot, how Jacqueline Kennedy and Da Vinci's Masterpiece Charmed and Captivated a Nation was such a lovely read. I felt such a sense of ceremony and culture, as though I was having tea with the First Lady herself. Margaret Leslie Davis has very skillfully woven the details of the Mona Lisa exhibition into a vivid and rich account of the First Lady, her life and interactions preceding, during and following the display of the priceless work of art. The documents included in this marvellous book are very telling and gave me a glimpse of the inner workings of Jacqueline Kennedy's brilliant mind. The incredible amount of manoeuvring, urging and timely-choreography required of those involved in this process was truly impressive. It amazes me, even though I am a definite art enthusiast, just how much this particular painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, has affected the people of America, France and many other places across the globe. This is a very detailed read, certainly not a book that you can rush through; it had a gentle pace which worked wonderfully. This true story touches briefly on the assignation of John F. Kennedy (JFK) and how it too, stirred the emotions of countless peoples around the world. If you appreciate art and have any interest in the Kennedy's, this book is an absolute must-have! (9 out of 10 Diamonds) - Loved it! © 2008-2009 Bobbie Crawford-McCoy (Book Reviews By Bobbie). All rights reserved.

What a great story!

Definitely loved this book! The story is compelling (Malraux, the Kennedy family, the Mona Lisa, the Louvre and the Secret Service - what more could you ask for?!) and the author does a fantastic job portraying each character and taking us through the intrigue of it all. I highly recommend reading this one and checking out some of the other Margaret Leslie Davis books. She has a real knack for bringing history to life!

Terrific!

What a terrific book about an incident that most people might not remember happening. I sped through the book in 2 sittings - utterly fascinating and a page-turner. Kudos to the author for bringing this part of "Camelot" to its historical importance.

Engrossing and charming

This was a very engrossing account of how the Mona Lisa made it to the United States for public viewing during Camelot. The details of Jacqueline Kennedy's plan and the implementation of that plan were extremely interesting as I was a child of the sixties (but sadly did not live near D.C. to view the Mona Lisa). I was also fascinated with the First Lady's mutually adoring relationship with the French cultural minister, Andre Malraux, and her relationship with the National Gallery of Art Director, John Walker. The personality elements of these two men were almost as much fun as reading about how the First Lady managed to produce a marvelous tour guide/booklet for the public visitors to the White House. The idea of which, was hatched in 1941 when she visited the White House as a citizen and took that standard tour with her mother and sister. The real heroine of the book, however, was Mona Lisa, who even today, remains a mysterious enchantress.

My New Book Club Favorite

What an enchanting and thoroughly fascinating book! Ms. Davis' richly evocative, cinematic detail transports the reader, as if by time machine, to a moment in America's history when grace and diplomacy were valued above ignorance and bravado. As President Kennedy observed, "The United States will be judged - and its place in history ultimately assessed - not alone by its military or economic power, but by the quality of its civilization." This shimmering little jewel of a book is an inspiring reminder of the best in ours. It will go out to everyone on my holiday gift list!