Description
First edition of Leaders by Richard Nixon, inscribed to NBA great, Wilt Chamberlain.
Octavo, 371pp. Blue hardcover, black cloth spine, title stamped in silver on spine. Stated “first printing” on copyright page with full number line. Light foxing along top edge of text block, some wear to spine from handling, bumped lower corner. In the publisher’s dust jacket, retail price on the front flap, short closed tear to rear panel, bright illustrations.
Inscribed on the title page: “To Wilt Chamberlain, with warm regard from Richard Nixon / 1-20-83.”
Wilt Chamberlain (1936-1999) was one of the greatest offensive players in NBA history. He was an ardent supporter of Richard Nixon in 1968 and 1972, even accompanying him to the funeral of Martin Luther King, Jr. He never identified as a Republican, but his support for Nixon angered many of his black friends. Provenance: RR Auctions, October 2022.
