Ground Fog and Night. Poems by Eugene J. McCarthy
signed first edition
1979 · New York
by MCCARTHY, EUGENE J. (JACK VALENTI)
New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1979. First Edition. Signed and inscribed by the author, former representative and senator from Minnesota from 1949 to 1970 and presidential candidate in 1968. Inscribed: To Jack Valenti, with best wishes. Gene McCarthy, July 20, 1979”. McCarthy’s second collection of poems. Trace of foxing to outer edges, else a fine copy in a fine dust jacket. From the library of film executive Jack Valenti with a Certificate of Authenticity. Illustrated. Fine copy in a fine dust jacket. From the rear jacket flap: “Horace Busby was Lyndon B. Johnson’s adviser, speechwriter, and confidant throughout his political career. He served on LBJ’s Staff in the House and Senate and at the White House, where he was secretary of the cabinet from 1963 to 1965.” 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 #: 22512E)