Portraits of Courage. Signed by George W. Bush. First Edition, Deluxe Issue, First Printing. Crown. New York, 2017.

George W. Bush was born into one of the most prominent political dynasties in American history. His father, George H.W. Bush, was the 41st President of the United States. Bush Jr. subsequently had numerous opportunities that resulted in his education at Harvard, his career in the Texas oil industry, his co-ownership of the Texas Rangers, and his political career, which included being governor of Texas before eventually being elected the 43rd President of the United States in 2001. He went on to serve two terms consumed by the war on terror, socially conservative domestic policies, and at the end, the Great Recession. Immediately following 9/11, Bush saw some of the most favorable polls of any American president in history. But by the time he left office, he was considered one of the least popular presidents ever. In this volume, Bush reflects on his service as president through the poignant lens of veteran portraits. He took up painting after leaving office and made veteran portraits his primary subject. The work celebrates the lives and contributions of Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans. It also sheds light on Bush himself. Through his art, it becomes clear he desires to reconcile his political choices with the lives most greatly impacted by them.

This first edition, deluxe issue is signed by Bush on the half-title page. It is in near-fine condition. In the original full cloth, fine. Text block fine. In the original slipcase, about-fine with some soiling and rubbing. Publisher’s informational leaf laid in.

A near-fine signed first deluxe edition of Portraits of Courage.