72 - Lyndon B. Johnson (American, 1908-1973) and Al Gore (American, born 1948). Collection of three photographs personally inscribed to author and former presidential speechwriter Peter Benchley. The first item is a gelatin silver print depicting a meeting in the White House Cabinet Room featuring President Johnson and his advisors. The second is a color photograph of Vice President Al Gore and Benchley on a wooden pier alongside a riverboat named URBE ROMA 2 P. The third item is a color photograph featuring Senator Jack Heinz, Senator Tim Wirth, and Benchley on the deck of a boat. The first photograph is inscribed in black ink at the lower margin: To Peter Benchley with appreciation Lyndon B Johnson. The second photograph is inscribed in black ink at the upper left: For my friend Peter Benchley with warm regards. The next sequel to Jaws could be on the Amazon 'toothpick fish.' Al Gore. The third photograph is unsigned. Accompanied by notes from Wendy Benchley. 11" H x 14" W.

Lyndon B. Johnson (American, 1908-1973) and Al Gore (American, born 1948). Collection of three photographs personally inscribed to author and former presidential speechwriter Peter Benchley. The first item is a gelatin silver print depicting a meeting in the White House Cabinet Room featuring President Johnson and his advisors. The second is a color photograph of Vice President Al Gore and Benchley on a wooden pier alongside a riverboat named URBE ROMA 2 P. The third item is a color photograph featuring Senator Jack Heinz, Senator Tim Wirth, and Benchley on the deck of a boat. The first photograph is inscribed in black ink at the lower margin: To Peter Benchley with appreciation Lyndon B Johnson. The second photograph is inscribed in black ink at the upper left: For my friend Peter Benchley with warm regards. The next sequel to Jaws could be on the Amazon 'toothpick fish.' Al Gore. The third photograph is unsigned. Accompanied by notes from Wendy Benchley. 11" H x 14" W. Three photographs from two chapters of Peter's public life. The first shows President Johnson with his advisors in the White House Cabinet Room, inscribed “To Peter Benchley with appreciation.” The other two come from a famous trip up the Amazon to the rainforest research camp of biologist Thomas Lovejoy, who is credited with creating the debt-for-nature swap. Peter went with Al Gore, Senators Tim Wirth and John Heinz, and Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee. They slept in hammocks and were warned about the candiru, the tiny Amazon fish that swims up a bather's urine stream. Gore's inscription to “my friend Peter Benchley” proposes the toothpick fish as the premise for the next JAWS. Wirth later remembered falling asleep “to the sounds of howler monkeys and the snoring of Al Gore, Jack Heinz, Ben Bradlee, and Peter Benchley.” From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The black and white photograph of Lyndon B. Johnson exhibits significant condition issues, including a prominent vertical crease and crack through the left side of the image with visible surface loss and separation along the fold line. It shows general edge wear, corner bumping, and surface scuffing. The two color photographs remain in very good condition with only minor surface wear and light handling marks. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.