"WITH APPRECIATION FROM HIS OLD FRIEND LYNDON B. JOHNSON": JOHNSON'S NOVEMBER 27, 1963 FIRST MESSAGE TO CONGRESS AS PRESIDENT, WARMLY INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY HIM

JOHNSON, Lyndon Baines. Message to the Congress. Address of the President of the United States. [Washington: Government Printing Office, 1963]. Octavo, cord-bound as issued, original gilt-stamped navy paper wrappers, yapp edges. $7500.

First edition of Lyndon Johnson's first presidential address before Congress, inscribed: "To Bob O'Brien With appreciation from his old friend, Lyndon B. Johnson. Jan 15, 1964."

This powerful presidential address was Lyndon Johnson's first before the Joint Congress. The address combines a eulogy for the JFK ("The greatest leader of our time has been struck down by the foulest deed of our time") with a call to achieve JFK's dreams for progress and improvement. Above all, Johnson's carefully crafted address was a promise of continuity—that the U.S. would honor the commitments made by JFK both at home and abroad. The address was published with a page featuring a printed note of gratitude by Johnson with a stamped signature. Black-and-white photographic portrait of Johnson on the telephone affixed above his inscription.

A bit of wear around cords, mild toning mainly to inner margins and top edge of wrappers. An extremely good inscribed copy.