LBJ Signed First Edition "Vantage Point" Published 2 Years Before His Death

A first edition hardcover copy of Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973), "The Vantage Point: Perspectives of the Presidency" (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1971), signed by him as "Lyndon B Johnson" on bookplate with gilt embossed presidential seal and gilt facsimile initials affixed to the half title page. Profusely illustrated, with over 120 illustrations comprising 72pp alone, and complete with maps, transcripts of correspondence, and appendices. The original dust jacket shows expected wear including scuffs, slightly peeling Mylar, and edge rubbing, as well as foxing to the inner lining. The red cloth boards show visible mildew and there is scattered foxing to the covers and textblock. The inner pages are clean. Else very good. 636pp. 6.25" x 9.5" x 2." 8vo.

The title of Johnson's presidential chronicle, "The Vantage Point," is discussed in Johnson's preface. He wrote: "I have not written these chapters to say, 'This is how it was,' but to say, 'This is how I saw it from my vantage point.' Neither have I attempted to cover all the events of my administration. I have selected what I consider to be the most important problems, the most pressing goals, and the most historic accomplishment of my years as President" (ix).

Of the myriad of Johnson's accomplishments, perhaps his greatest presidential legacy was his Great Society platform, a series of ambitious domestic reforms aimed at eradicating poverty, racism, and social inequality, and addressing shortfalls in education, health, and medicine. In his 1965 Inaugural Address, President Johnson explored the semi-mystical origins of the American experience, arguing that the Great Society was just the latest ideological offshoot of these origins, and that it was consistent with the national ethos. Johnson died of a massive heart attack on January 22, 1973, less than two years after this book came out.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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