JFK's Secret Doctor : The Remarkable Life of Medical Pioneer and Legendary Rock Climber Hans Kraus

Set against the grand panorama of twentieth-century world events, this biography captures the remarkable life and spirit of climbing and medical visionary Hans Kraus (1905-1996). Kraus was taught English by James Joyce, escaped Nazi-dominated Europe, and became JFK's secret back specialist. A legendary rock climber known for hair-raising ascents on two continents, Kraus lived a life filled with tragedy and triumph, intense passion, verve, and a whole lot of guts, glory, and wit.

One of the great unsung medical pioneers of the twentieth century, Kraus made headline news throughout the second half of the 1950s, was a guest of honor at Eisenhower's White House, and was the subject of cover stories in major magazines throughout America, including Sports Illustrated. His pioneering work in muscles and fitness uncovered a shocking truth about the lack of fitness in American children, and his revolutionary approach to curing back pain brought him into the Kennedy White House and the inner circle of Camelot.

This compelling biography reveals the full story of Hans Kraus's extraordinary life, including the behind-the-scenes account of Kennedy's crippling back problems, based on new documentation, White House medical records, and interviews with two Kennedy White House doctors.