New Jackie Kennedy book on its way

NEW YORK, April 13 (UPI) -- Hyperion says it plans to publish a new book based upon never-before-disclosed interviews with former U.S. first lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

The book is scheduled for publication in September 2011.

"Conducted in the spring of 1964 and intended for deposit at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum -- not yet in existence at the time -- Mrs. Kennedy's conversations with historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. were part of a wide-ranging oral history project that captured the recollections and reflections of those close to President Kennedy shortly after his death (in 1963.) The seven interviews have remained strictly sealed since then in accordance with Mrs. Kennedy's wishes," the publishing company said in a news release Tuesday.

"Now, in connection with the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Administration, in association with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Mrs. Kennedy's family plans to make available both the interview transcripts and the 6.5 hours of audio recordings of those interviews. The book will be edited and introduced by Caroline Kennedy, and will also include historical annotations and contextual explanations provided by a respected historian."

The announcement of the new book was made Tuesday by Ellen Archer, president and publisher of Hyperion.

"We are truly honored to publish a project of such historical significance. These interviews offer a remarkable window into the intelligent, courageous, and keen observer that Jacqueline Kennedy was. Readers will be riveted," Archer said in a statement.

Hyperion said it acquired world rights, e-book, audio, and first serial, and proceeds from the book are to be shared with the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis -- who was married to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis from 1968 until his death in 1975 -- died of cancer in 1994 at the age of 64.