Details:

Gale W. McGee autographed and inscribed copy of The Responsibilities of World Power. The front free endpaper is inscribed in black ink, “To Ben Smith - One liberal’s view of the world around us. Gale McGee.” Published in 1968. First edition.

This copy was inscribed to Benjamin A. Smith II, Harvard roommate of President John F. Kennedy, lifelong friend of the Kennedy family, and former United States Senator from Massachusetts. Smith succeeded Kennedy in the United States Senate following Kennedy’s election to the presidency in 1960 and remained one of the Kennedy family’s closest friends and confidants throughout his life.

The inscription reflects the friendship and collegial relationship shared by two members of the United States Senate during one of the most consequential periods in modern American history. Gale McGee and Benjamin Smith served together amid the turbulent debates surrounding the Vietnam War and American foreign policy, making this personally inscribed volume a meaningful artifact from that era. McGee’s reference to “one liberal’s view of the world around us” is especially fitting, encapsulating both the theme of the work and the spirited policy discussions taking place within the Senate during the late 1960s.

In The Responsibilities of World Power, McGee offers his perspective on the expanding role of the United States in global affairs, with particular attention given to Vietnam, Cold War diplomacy, and America’s responsibilities as an international leader. Written during the height of the Vietnam conflict, the book provides an important contemporary viewpoint from a sitting U.S. senator actively engaged in shaping foreign policy.

Near fine condition. Light expected handling and age toning to the pages with a clean interior and a bold, well-preserved inscription.

Gale W. McGee (1915–1992) served as United States Senator from Wyoming from 1959 to 1977. A respected authority on foreign affairs and education, McGee served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during the administrations of Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon. Following his Senate career, he was appointed United States Ambassador to the Organization of American States, continuing a lifetime dedicated to diplomacy, international relations, and public service.

Provenance: From the estate of Benjamin A. Smith II, Harvard roommate and lifelong friend of President John F. Kennedy, former United States Senator from Massachusetts. Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Benjamin A. Smith III documenting direct family ownership.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11691 1416406-1