About this Item
Apparent First Edition (NAP, Library Of Congress reference to 1969 as the year of publishing). 240 pages, 325 photographs in sheet-fed gravure. This book came from the library of the former Assistant Secretary of War and US High Commissioner of Postwar Germany, John J. McCloy. It was inscribed either to McCloy's wife or daughter who shared the name 'Ellen.' The inscription is on the half-title page and reads '1969, New York, For Ellen-- With a huge gypsy hug and wishes for your merriest Merry Christmas! David.' This book was published by Harry N. Abrams. However, it appears to be some sort of special edition as 'Private Edition of the Author' is at the bottom of the title page where the publisher's name usually appears. I've seen only a couple of books where that is the case. The book was printed in the Netherlands. It is quite large, 14 by 11 inches. You can see the turquoise-colored covers in the photos. They are quite clean. The gilt design on the front is nicely bright. The gilt lettering on the spine also nicely bright. The edges and corners are in very good shape. There is a thin crease off the top edge of the spine. The page edges are quite clean. Despite the size and weight of the book, the binding is very solid from cover to cover with nicely tight pages throughout and nicely tight covers as well. The pages are also in excellent condition. Scrolling through I didn't see any soiling, didn't see any creasing. There are no markings. No attachments. And the photographer's signed inscription is the only writing to be found anywhere in the book. The photographs are quite remarkable for how they capture the attitudes and even personalities of their subjects. They also capture the emotional climate of the time, particularly the Democratic Convention in Chicago with photographs of the police force helmeted with rifles aloft, of the young demonstrators, of Eugene McCarthy's inspired supporters, and of the delegates in various emotional states. There are photos of German shepherds teeth bared, of Mayor Daley's complacent, untroubled face, photos of all the politicians and of the politicians families, many of the photographs seeming to capture them unaware, in private moments. There's also a section of photographs taken of badly wounded Vietnam veterans watching the conventions from their hospital beds. I've always had the very large dust jacket in a fitted protective cover. The jacket is in pretty nice condition. You can see it in the first few photos. There's some light soiling here and there, some creasing at the top edge of the spine. There is a 5/8th" tear off the inside edge of the rear flap. The flaps are otherwise in very good condition. The jacket is not priced or clipped. From the dust jacket: 'Few events in the United States have commanded more attention, aroused deeper passions, caused wider splits between friends, police and civilians, youth and adults, and even members of the same family, or created havoc on a grander scale among the careers of veteran politicians-- Republican and Democrat alike-- then did the national conventions for the presidency in Miami Beach and Chicago. Every American has been affected by the results of the two conventions: Miami Beach with its oldtime charades of flag-and-button-encrusted delegates, it's rallies, 'spontaneous' demonstrations, and high-pressure, arm-twisting backstage power plays; Chicago with its White House-ordained candidate, its crusading challengers, and anti-war demonstrators, it's hippies, soft black voices rarely raised in anger, and shouting white voices-- profane, outraged, embattled: riot edging toward revolution. David Douglas Duncan, the former Life photographer, originally covered the two conventions in his acclaimed television specials for NBC News. He has now assembled his extraordinary work in this book.'. Seller Inventory # 004640
Contact seller
Report this item
Bibliographic Details
Title: Self-Portrait: U.S.A. (Signed) (McCloy)
Publisher: 'Private Edition of the Author'; Harry N. Abrams, New York
Publication Date: 1969
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)
