"TO MY GOOD FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE… KINDEST REGARDS FROM HIS FORMER BOSS & FRIEND": FIRST EDITION OF TRUMAN SPEAKS, INSCRIBED IN THE YEAR OF PUBLICATION BY PRESIDENT TRUMAN

TRUMAN, Harry S. Truman Speaks. New York: Columbia, 1960. Octavo, original blue cloth, original dust jacket. $2800.

First edition of a collection of lectures given by Truman at Columbia University from April 27-29, 1959, inscribed on the half title by President Truman: "to Betty Osborn with kind regards Harry Truman. 5/25/62."

Truman Speaks won high praise on publication for its insights into the legacy of this "man who belongs in the company of our great Presidents… The former President was invited to speak to the students at Columbia University in the spring of 1959. The book is a transcript of what he had to tell them about the Presidency, the Constitution and demagoguery… more poignant and human… than Truman's official memoirs" (New York Times). In addition to the talks given by Truman from April 27-29, Truman Speaks also contains an introduction by him, a foreword by Grayson Kirk, panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions. Illustrated with frontispiece and three full-page photogravures. This book was evidently signed for Betty Osborn and then given to her by her father. An owner inscription reads: "to Betty, with love from Daddy, Christmas, 1963."

Book fine, dust jacket with slight soiling and light wear and toning to extremities. A handsome signed copy.