RARE LIMITED FIRST EDITION OF INAUGURAL ADDRESSES OF THE PRESIDENTS, 2003, A N EXCEPTIONAL PRESENTATION COPY TO COLIN POWELL BOLDLY SIGNED BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

(POWELL, Colin) (BUSH, George W.) . Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States. George Washington to George W. Bush. (Washington, D.C.: Regency, 2003). Octavo, original gilt-stamped full blue morocco, watered silk endpapers, all edges gilt, original slipcase. $9500.

Limited first edition, one of only 250 copies issued, an especially memorable presentation/association copy boldly signed by President George W. Bush as president on the special presentation leaf with gilt presidential seal, uniquely printed, "With gratitude for your friendship and your dedicated service to America. Presented to Colin Powell," this distinctive copy containing a laid-in card with the gilt presidential seal, printed "With the Compliments of The President."

This extraordinary limited edition brings together Inaugural Addresses from Washington to George W. Bush, who signed this very rare presentation/association copy to Colin Powell, who had been his Secretary of State. Powell, America's first African American National Security Adviser, served in the administration of President Reagan and continued to make history as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for both President George H. Bush and President Clinton. "When Powell became Chairman on October 1, 1989, he was the first African American, the first ROTC graduate, and, at 62, the youngest officer to serve in the position" (Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Government). At his death in 2021, President George W. Bush expressed his deep regard for Powell, noting he "was such a favorite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom—twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad. And most important Colin was a family man and a friend." Limited first edition: publication documents record 250 copies were issued; not all signed by President Bush. This signed presentation copy notably contains a laid-in card (2-3/4 by 4-inches) with the official gilt-stamped presidential seal, printed: "With the Compliments of the President."

A fine copy.