Description
Octavo, xii, 110pp, [5pp]. Black cloth, title in gilt on spine. In publishers dust jacket, near fine, $2.25 retail price on front flap, light wear at edges. Bookplate of Mary Margaret Wiley on front end paper. Inscribed by Adlai Stevenson on front free end paper: “For Mary Margaret Wiley – with happy memories of the visit to Senator Johnson – and her! Adlai E. Stevenson. LBJ Ranch. 9/29/55.” An exceptional association copy.
Comments: Shortly after suffering a heart attack in July, 1955, Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson returned to his ranch for months of recuperation. While at his ranch, he was visited by Adlai Stevenson and Sam Rayburn, for a social call that would have lasting implications for the democratic party. At this meeting, Johnson encouraged Adlai Stevenson to run again in 1956 to contest the nomination of Estes Kefauver. Johnson hoped that with Stevenson challenging Kefauver, the convention would be split and he could enter as the compromise candidate. Unfortunately for Johnson, the nomination would go to Stevenson and he would be left in the senate until 1961. Mary Margaret Wiley, later Mrs. Mary Margaret Valenti, served as the personal secretary for President Lyndon Johnson from 1954-1962 and followed him to the ranch during his recuperation. She married Jack Valenti in 1962 and left the employment of President Johnson. Her husband was a Texas political consultant, Johnson confidant and President of the Motion Picture Association of America from 1966-2004. (Caro, Master of the Senate, 643).
