Work Hard, Study...And Keep Out Of Politics!; Adventures And Lessons From An Unexpected Public Life

New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover. Near fine/near fine. The first edition of Work Hard, Study...And Keep Out Of Politics! by Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, inscribed to Judge Paul Pressler of Texas.. Octavo, xvii, 460pp. Maroon hardcover, title in gilt on spine, author's initials on front cover. The first printing, with a full number line on copyright page. In the publisher's near fine dust jacket, faint shelf wear, retail price on front flap. Inscribed on the title page: "To Paul - my lifelong friend with warmest personal regards and best wishes, Jim Baker." Judge Paul Pressler (1930-2024) was President George H.W. Bush's and James Baker's choice to lead the Office of Government Ethics in 1989, but "ethical problems" would derail his nomination. Judge Pressler served on the Texas Court of Appeals from 1978-1992. He was influential in the conservative resurgence of the Southern Baptist Convention and a notable power broker in conservative Texas politics. He was accused of sexual misconduct later in life and utilized the legal services of Baker Botts, the namesake law firm of the Baker family, to defend himself.