Description
Presentation copy of Beautiful California from Gov. Ronald Reagan to Generalissimo Francisco Franco, the nationalist leader of Spain.
Octavo, 319pp, [1]. Illustrated cloth boards. Stated “first edition, fifth printing” on the title page. This copy appears unread. Housed in blue leather presentation case, title stamped in gilt, lined with felt.
Inscribed by Hernando Courtright, the owner of the Beverly Wilshire and longtime friend of the Reagans: “With the compliments and best / wishes of Ronald Reagan / Governor of California / presented through his representative / Hernando Courtright / Padrino / El Pueblo de Los Angeles / June 21, 1967.”
A unique association copy between two ardent anti-Communist leaders.
Francisco Franco (1892-1975) was a Spanish military officer who rose to power after leading the Nationalist forces to victory in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and subsequently ruled Spain as head of state and government with the title of Caudillo until his death. He established an authoritarian regime characterized by suppression of political opposition, censorship, and centralized control, while maintaining neutrality during World War II but providing some support to Axis powers. Franco aligned Spain with Western anti-Communist interests during the Cold War, securing U.S. military and economic agreements in the 1950s. His rule lasted until November 20, 1975, when he died in Madrid, after which King Juan Carlos I oversaw Spain’s transition to democracy.
