In the annals of American history, few names are as infamous as Lee Harvey Oswald. Known primarily as the man accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy, Oswald’s life has been scrutinized from every angle. But one aspect of his personality that often goes overlooked is his voracious appetite for reading. From classic American literature to self-help books, Oswald’s reading habits were as diverse as they were surprising. Let’s dive into the strange world of Lee Harvey Oswald’s bookshelf and uncover what his literary tastes reveal about the man behind the infamy.
The Bookworm Assassin
A Lifelong Love of Reading
From an early age, Lee Harvey Oswald showed a keen interest in books. His mother, Marguerite Oswald, noted that “Lee has wisdom without education” and that “from a very small child… Lee seemed to know the answers to things without schooling.” This natural curiosity led young Lee to devour books on a wide range of subjects.
As he grew older, Oswald’s reading habits only intensified. His brother, Robert Oswald, described him as an “assiduous reader” who would read “anything from funny books to novels, to westerns, the full scope.” This diverse range of interests paints a picture of a man who was constantly seeking knowledge and new perspectives.
The Library: Oswald’s Second Home
Upon returning to the United States after his infamous defection to the Soviet Union, one of Oswald’s first stops was the local library. His mother recalled, “He went immediately to the library upon coming to the United States. He read continuously.” This dedication to reading continued throughout his life, with Oswald frequently visiting libraries wherever he lived.
From American Classics to Communist Manifestos
A Patriotic Beginning
Interestingly, despite his later political leanings, Oswald had a strong interest in American history and literature. His brother Robert noted, “He liked American history. I have seen him read American history a great deal.” This fascination with American heritage seems at odds with his later actions and beliefs, adding another layer of complexity to Oswald’s character.
The Turn Towards Radical Literature
As Oswald grew older, his reading habits began to shift towards more radical literature. His mother observed, “It was more about communism. I knew he was reading it. But if we have this material in the public libraries, then certainly it is all right for us to read.” This transition marks a crucial point in Oswald’s ideological development.
The Daily Worker and Beyond
Oswald’s interest in communist literature extended beyond books. His mother mentioned that “He read the Daily Worker. And the other ones I don’t know. But it was in the paper. There is plenty of subversive material.” This regular consumption of communist publications likely played a significant role in shaping Oswald’s political views.
The Unexpected Titles on Oswald’s Bookshelf
Norman Vincent Peale: An Unlikely Choice
One of the most surprising entries in Oswald’s reading list was the work of Norman Vincent Peale, a popular American minister and author known for his self-help books. Oswald’s mother stated, “Anyway, from Vincent Peale on down to anything you want to mention. Lee read continuously.” This interest in self-improvement literature adds an unexpected dimension to Oswald’s character.
Jack London: A Working-Class Hero
Another notable author in Oswald’s library was Jack London, the American novelist known for his adventure stories and socialist views. While not explicitly mentioned in the documents, London’s blend of exciting narratives and left-leaning politics would have likely appealed to Oswald’s diverse tastes.
Biographies of American Statesmen
Perhaps most intriguingly, Oswald had a fascination with the lives of prominent American political figures. His wife, Marina, observed that he was “exceedingly so [interested], in autobiographical works of outstanding statesmen of the United States and others.” This interest in the lives of American leaders seems to contradict his anti-American stance later in life.
The Impact of Oswald’s Reading on His Worldview
Delusions of Grandeur
Oswald’s extensive reading, particularly of biographies, seems to have fueled a sense of self-importance. Marina noted that “he compared himself to these people whose autobiographies he read.” This tendency to see himself as on par with great historical figures may have contributed to his desire to make a mark on history, regardless of the consequences.
A Confused Ideology
Despite his extensive reading on communism, Oswald’s understanding of the ideology appears to have been somewhat muddled. When his wife questioned his claim of being a Communist, she pointed out, “What kind of a Communist are you if you don’t like the Communists in Russia?” This inconsistency suggests that Oswald’s political beliefs were more complex and confused than they initially appeared.
The Role of Fiction in Shaping Reality
Interestingly, Oswald was a fan of the television show “I Led Three Lives,” which dramatized the life of a man who infiltrated the Communist Party for the FBI. His mother recalled, “We always watched that. And when Lee returned from the service and the Marines, the three days—that program was on, and he turned it off. He said, ‘Mother, don’t watch that, that is a lot of propaganda.'” This change in attitude towards the show might indicate a shift in Oswald’s political views over time.
The Mystery of the Missing Library Records
One of the most frustrating aspects of studying Oswald’s reading habits is the lack of comprehensive library records. His mother attempted to trace his reading history but was told, “The only way they could give that information was when a book was overdue, and was out. But otherwise they have no record.” This gap in the record leaves us to speculate about the full extent of Oswald’s literary explorations.
From Page to Action: The Influence of Books on Oswald’s Life
The Assassination Attempt on Nixon
In one of the most chilling examples of how Oswald’s reading may have influenced his actions, his wife Marina once locked him in the bathroom to prevent him from attempting to assassinate Richard Nixon. While the exact book that may have inspired this plan is unknown, it’s clear that Oswald’s reading had a profound impact on his political actions.
The Desire for Historical Significance
Oswald’s extensive reading of biographies and historical works seems to have instilled in him a desperate desire for recognition. As one observer noted, “As I saw the documents that were being read to me, I came to the conclusion that he wanted in any—by any means, good or bad, to get into history.” This obsession with leaving his mark on history may have been a driving force behind his alleged actions.
The Unfinished Chapter: What We’ll Never Know
Despite the wealth of information available about Oswald’s reading habits, many questions remain unanswered. What books was he reading in the weeks leading up to the Kennedy assassination? How did his literary tastes evolve during his time in the Soviet Union? These are questions that, barring the discovery of new evidence, we may never be able to answer.
A Story Written in Borrowed Words
Lee Harvey Oswald’s life, like the books he read, was filled with contradictions and unexpected twists. His journey from a curious young boy devouring American history to a man accused of assassinating a president is a stark reminder of the power of ideas and the unpredictable ways they can shape a person’s life.
As we close the book on this exploration of Oswald’s reading habits, we’re left with a portrait of a man who was constantly seeking knowledge, yet never seemed to find the answers he was looking for. In the end, Oswald’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinterpreting the words we read and the devastating consequences that can result when fiction bleeds into reality.
