Author: SIMON, Paul
Title: Let's Put America Back to Work
Description: Chicago, Bonus Books, Inc, 1986. Paperback. Folio. Stiff black 2-part report binder with 2-prong metal clasp. (Ca. 200pp, rectos only). Near fine. Unusual author-corrected galley proof of one of the nearly two dozen books penned by the staunchly Democratic, bowtie and horn-rimmed glasses wearing Illinois representative (1975-85) and senator (1985-97) whose style and image briefly charmed the American public and almost captured the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. Simon (1928-2003), a one-time journalist before launching into Illinois politics and a legislative career, published his first book ("Lovejoy: Martyr to Freedom") in 1964 and his influential "Lincoln's Preparation for Greatness: The Illinois Legislative Years" in 1965; he peppered his career in Congress with many topical volumes on the American political situation -- of which "Let's Put America Back to Work" (published 1987) was a typical example. This galley proof bears occasional editorial queries penned in red ballpoint for Simon's consideration; mostly it bears dozens of Simon's corrections, changes and deletions in black fineline, often of a minor grammatical nature, that show his attention to detail. Several times he crosses out small sections and an inserted page gives a corrected sentence he cranked out on a manual typewriter; other times he changes a word or phrase; some pages survived unscathed and unmarked. Laid in is a Typed Note Signed from Simon which accompanied this proof copy, 1p, 8½" X 11", Washington, DC, 22 July 1986. Addressed to publisher Aaron Cohodes. Near fine. On "United States Senate" letterhead, Simon mentions a few details about this book with its publisher, including his thought on the title change from his original "Rebuilding Opportunity in the United States": "The title doesn't send me, but I don't have a better suggestion.." Signed simply "Paul." This unique galley proof is fascinating and unusual, giving insight into Simon's thought process. .

Keywords: Americana


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