Presented from Governor Ronald Reagan to Francisco Franco of Spain
A most unusual presentation book inscribed by Hernando Courtright (owner of the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Beverly Wilshire) a representative of Ronald Reagan to the Generalissimo Francisco Franco. At the time of this gift book presentation, Ronald Reagan was governor of California and Francisco Franco was the ailing caudillo of Spain. Franco came to power in 1939 in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War which had been sparked by a July 1936 military coup. By 1967 the office of the Head of State in Spain had been separated from that of the Prime Minister. In 1973 Franco resigned as Prime Minister but remained Head of State until his death in November 1975.
The book itself is the first edition of the classic Sunset Publication: Beautiful California. Menlo Park California: Lane Books, 1963. 319 pages. Profusely illustrated in color and black and white.
An intriguing association copy, connecting two heads of state who made their marks in the world as staunch anti-Communists.
Presentation inscription in black felt pen ink on front free endpaper:
With the compliments and best / wishes of Ronald Reagan / Governor of California / presented through his representative / Hernando Courtright / Padrino / El Pueblo de Los Angeles / June 21, 1967
Hernando Courtright (1904-1986) was an American hotelier, best known as the proprietor of the Beverly Hills Hotel and The Beverly Wilshire Hotel. He made the latter hotel a glamorous place for the rich and counted scores of famous personalities as friends, including Ronald Reagan.