(8vo) original padded red fabricoid faux-leather binding. No. 122 of 300 copies. First Edition.
Signed by Johnson on the limitation page, as issued. Additionally inscribed by Johnson on the dedication leaf: "To John W. Gardner, a public servant who made significant contributions to these events - Best wishes for a good new year, Lyndon B. Johnson." John William Gardner, was Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon Johnson. An engraved card of Mr. and Mrs. Lyndon Baines Johnson, with "Merry Christmas" written in red ink, is taped to the front pastedown, and laid in is the addressed portion of an envelope or package covering from Johnson to Gardner. A modern presidential rarity, the binding is of such a poor quality that many, if not most, copies have either not survived or have been rebound.
Gardner's term as Secretary of HEW was at the height of Johnson's Great Society domestic agenda. During this tenure, the Department undertook both the huge task of launching Medicare, which brought quality health care to senior citizens, and oversaw significant expansions of the landmark Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 that redefined the federal role in education and targeted funding to poor students. Gardner resigned as head of HEW because he could not support the war in Vietnam.
Gardner was featured on the cover and in an article of the January 20, 1967 Time magazine, and later that year also presided over the creation of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Condition:
Spine gilt dull, some rubbing to extremities, front joint tender, cracking, small tear to front cover cloth; very good overall.