New Book Gives a Front-row Seat to George W. Bush Presidency

JULY 13, 2013 (AUSTIN, TX) – Former Chief White House Photographer Eric Draper will discuss his new book, "Front Row Seat: A Photographic Portrait of the Presidency of George W. Bush," at the Bullock Texas State History Museum on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at 2 p.m.

Full of extraordinary images, many never before published, Draper's book gives a compelling, behind-the-scenes view of the entire presidency of George W. Bush, from dramatic events such as 9/11 to relaxed, intimate moments with the Bush family.

Draper is the longest-serving chief White House photographer and also was named special assistant to the president. He was the first to document two full presidential terms, covering George W. Bush for the whole eight years of his presidency. Prior to serving in the White House, Draper worked as West Regional Enterprise Photographer for the Associated Press and as a staff photographer for the Seattle Times, Pasadena Star-News, and Albuquerque Tribune.

Draper's lens followed Bush during moments of crisis, such as 9/11; through emotional meetings with troops in war zones, wounded soldiers at home, and Katrina survivors; and amid joyful, relaxed times with his wife Laura, daughters Barbara and Jenna, and parents President George H. W. and Barbara Bush. The newly published book features a foreword written by President George W. Bush and is edited by Dr. Don E. Carleton, executive director of the The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin.

From a collection of nearly one million photographs, Draper selected just over 100 images of President Bush that portray both the public figure and the private man. Some document Bush at work while in office within his inner circle of trusted advisors – Vice President Richard Cheney, National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

After the program, Draper will sign copies of his book, which is for sale at the Bullock Museum. This program is free and open to the public and will be held in the Texas Spirit Theater on the second floor of the museum located at 1800 N. Congress Avenue in downtown Austin.

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​​The Bullock Texas State History Museum, a division of the State Preservation Board and an accredited institution of the American Alliance of Museums, creates experiences that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas. With dynamic, award-winning exhibitions that illuminate Texas history, people, and culture, educational programming for all ages, and an IMAX® theater with a screen the size of Texas, the Museum collaborates with more than 700 museums, libraries, archives, organizations, and individuals across the world to bring the Story of Texas to life. For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com or call (866)369-7108.