'Hardball' Host Visits Barrington Books

Chris Matthews, the host of MSNBC’s "Hardball" and a best-selling author, visits Barrington Books on Saturday, Dec. 3, for a reception and signing of his new book, “Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero.” He will be there at 1 pm. 

Customers who order the book in advance will get priority signing. The cost is $27.50. You can call the bookstore (401-245-7925) to order or visit its website at www.barringtonbooks.com.

All guests waiting to have their book signed can enjoy an exclusive reception held in the Barrington Books event space adjacent to the store.

Matthews’ book is described as a new portrait of John F. Kennedy based on interviews with those who knew him best. So much is known about Kennedy, yet even his wife described him as “that elusive man,” according to Matthews.

“Whenever I spot the name in print, I stop to read,” he said. “Anytime I’ve ever met a person who knew him—someone who was there with JFK in real time—I crave hearing their first-person narrative.”

Matthews has been collecting those stories for years. He has woven these JFK encounters into a tale of how Kennedy grew from a child of privilege into a war hero and President of the United States, all the while coping with a life-threatening disease.

Matthews is an author, international journalist, and no-nonsense political commentator.  His other books are: "Now Let Me Tell You What I Really Think" (2001), "Hardball" (1988), and "Kennedy and Nixon" (1996.  Prior to entering journalism, Matthews served as White House aide and speechwriter to President Jimmy Carter and as a top aide to former Speaker of the House Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.

Matthews began his career on television in 1994 as host of a two-hour nightly program on the NBC-owned America’s Talking network. Three years later, he launched Hardball and has been on the air every weekday night since.  In 2002, NBC inaugurated Sunday morning’s “The Chris Matthews Show.”

Matthews’ visit also is part of the 25th anniversary celebration of Barrington Books.