The Ragman’s Son

New York: Simon & Schuster, 1988. First Edition. Signed and inscribed by the author / actor, Kirk Douglas: “For Sybil, With my warm wishes! Kirk Douglas, ‘88”. From the library of Hollywood executive Jack Valenti with a Certificate of Authenticity. Douglas recounts time spent with Valenti on pages 394-96. Illustrated. Autobiography of the noted actor which includes his work on films such as Paths of Glory, Lust for Life, and Spartacus, as well as his work on the women of Hollywood including Joan Crawford, Rita Hayworth, Gene Tierney, etc. Near fine copy (truncated) with just a hint of rubbing to the spine in a near fine bright dust jacket with very faint dust soiling to the rear panel. Jack Valenti (1921-2007) is best known in his long-time role as President of the Motion Picture Association of America from 1966 to 2004. During his 38 year position in the MPAA, Valenti created the MPAA film rating system which is still used today. In 1963, Valenti was in the John F. Kennedy motorcade in Dallas, and he is seen in the famous photograph of Lyndon Johnson being sworn in as President on Air Force One. Valenti flew back to Washington with Johnson and literally lived in the White House for two months helping Johnson take the reins of the presidency. He was the first special assistant to President Johnson and served at Johnson’s direction as a liaison to the Republican Congressional leadership. Hollywood mogul and Democratic fundraiser Lew Wasserman pressured Lyndon Johnson to let Valenti leave in 1966 to run the MPAA. A striking and articulate man who easily made friends, Valenti became a figure of considerable influence in both Hollywood and Washington. Few people have known as many famous and powerful people as Valenti. (Inventory #: 22509E)