The Memoirs of Richard Nixon.

NIXON, Richard M.

Item Number: 58052

New York: Grossett & Dunlop, 1978.

First edition of Nixon’s memoirs. Thick octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Inscribed by Nixon to Spiro Agnew, his vice president, “To Ted and Judy Agnew, With deep appreciation for their years of dedicated service to the nation. From Dick Nixon, 5-12-78.” With Agnew’s notes in pencil listing the pages he found most interesting on the rear endpaper. The relationship between Agnew and Nixon had grown increasingly bitter throughout their terms in office, and after Agnew resigned on October 10, 1973, they never spoke to each other again. Nixon is said to have made eight efforts to talk or meet with him—the gift of this book probably one of these—which Agnew rebuffed each time. From the library of Spiro Agnew. An exceptional association.

President Richard Nixon's autobiography is an intensely personal examination of his life, public career, and White House years. With startling candor, Nixon reveals his beliefs, doubts, and behind-the-scenes decisions, and sheds new light on his landmark diplomatic initiatives, political campaigns, and historic decision to resign from the presidency. Throughout his career, Richard Nixon made extensive notes about his ideas, conversations, activities, and meetings. During his presidency, from November 1971 until April 1973, and again in June and July 1974, he kept an almost daily diary of reflections, analyses, and perceptions. These notes and diary dictations, which are quoted throughout this book, provide a unique insight into the complexities of the modern presidency and the great issues of American policy and politics.