The Inaugural Address: William Jefferson Clinton January 20, 1993.

CLINTON, William Jefferson [Bill].

Item Number: 124177

Signed limited presentation edition of this scarce printing of Clinton’s inaugural address. Octavo, original boards with gilt titles and Presidential Seal to the front panel. One of only 400 numbered copies with a tissue-guarded typed presentation letter tipped in signed by President Clinton, this is number 215. The typed letter reads: To Jerry, A great supporter and a great American. I doubt I would have had the privilege of making the speech I did on January 20th, if it were not for the generosity of friends like you. Thank you always, and best wishes “Bill Clinton”. In fine condition. Scarce, with no examples appearing at auction in existing records.

The first inauguration of William Jefferson Clinton as the 42nd President of the United States was held on Wednesday, January 20, 1993, at the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This was the 52nd inauguration and marked the commencement of the first term of Bill Clinton as President and Al Gore as Vice President. The oath of office was administered to Clinton by Chief Justice William Rehnquist, making Clinton the first Democratic president in 12 years (since Jimmy Carter) and the third-youngest person to become president. In his 1,598 word inaugural address reminded his audience that America had a history of overcoming challenges through bold action and re-creating itself for the better in the process using examples such as the Great Depression and the Civil War. As the first President elected in the post–Cold War era, Clinton stressed the importance of renewal for America, and hinted that he would work to make positive change in America. After Clinton's inaugural address, Maya Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning", becoming the second poet to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration, Robert Frost being the first with his recitation at John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961.