[Photo Album of President Lyndon Johnson and his Defense Secretary].

[Washington, D.C. and international locations]: [ca. 1966-1969]. 14 ” x 12½”. Black cloth over boards, internal strong plastic three-tie binding. 60 mylar-sleeved pages with one photograph (12 color, 48 B&W) inserted each. Most images 8” x 11¼” on 11” x 14” mat, three 8” x 10”. Album and most photos very good plus: a few with light wear to borders not affecting images.

This is a group of fantastic and captivating photographs of President Lyndon Johnson and his administration. Secretary of Defense Clark Clifford appears in every shot, and is often the subject of selective focus.

Clark McAdams Clifford was a noted lawyer in St. Louis from 1928 to 1943 and served as an officer in the United States Navy from 1944 to '46. In 1945 he was assigned to the White House and soon became naval aide, trusted personal adviser and friend to President Harry S. Truman. He left government in 1950, but practiced law in D.C. and continued to advise Democratic leaders. One of his clients was Senator John F. Kennedy, who as president appointed him to his Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board in 1961. When Johnson moved into office, Clifford served as unofficial White House Counsel (and took on some official foreign duties) and in January 1968 was named U.S. Secretary of Defense. He urged Johnson to de-escalate the Vietnam War, reportedly got along well with Congress and left his short term with reputation intact to return to law in 1969.

This album was acquired from the estate of LBJ's financial advisor, Jake Jacobson, whose career is highlighted in three laid-in articles from 2003. President Johnson appears in at least 25 of the shots; some are taken from behind, and while it's likely he's the one in conversation with Clifford we couldn't always confirm. We see the president with Queen Sirikit of Thailand at the Sala Sahathai Palace; shirtless on a call, interrupted from sunbathing (with Lady Bird half clad as well); in conversation with someone else, but smiling at Clifford; and in the foreground of a striking shot, exiting a synagogue, with Clifford centered a few paces behind. He is shown in conversation with his cabinet, Clifford taking notes and often by his side; shaking hands with a soldier on a tarmac; and there's a tense-looking moment with a New Jersey State Police officer, likely relating to civil unrest in the state and the Kerner Commission.

We see Clifford at society events, making waiters laugh and in deep talks with international dignitaries; following LBJ down the stairs of Air Force One; walking with what appears to be some haste in conversation with the president around the White House; and seemingly talking to Lady Bird as she and the president exit a vehicle. Several show Clifford in what looks like a great laugh, and one on board the USS Sequoia. As special counsel to Truman, Clifford often organized and participated in the president's poker games on the ship. Decades later, he was known to bring President Johnson aboard the Sequoia for quiet, private talks. Other photos reveal inner workings of the White House and clearly selective meetings in homes or hotel rooms.

A great group of photos showing both noted and behind the scenes activities of the Johnson administration. Very good +. Item #1853

Price: $500.00