Two leatherbound guestbooks compiled by a state department official from the mid-1980s to early 1990s, measuring 9.75 x 11.25 and 10 x 13, highlighted by a page headed "January 5, 1988, Lunch for Senator Joseph R. Biden," signed in black ballpoint by the future president, "Joe Biden," and by his eldest son, "Beau Biden," along with other attendees. The books have additionally been signed throughout by hundreds of those in attendance at official luncheons, dinner parties, and other events, including various politicians, ambassadors, military figures, diplomats, department officials, and other dignitaries from around the globe. In overall fine condition.
Joe Biden's son Beau was attending the University of Pennsylvania at the time he signed this, and would continue his studies at the Syracuse University College of Law upon his graduation in 1991. He went on to serve as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office and as an officer in the Army Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, including a deployment to the combat zone in Iraq, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star. He also served as Attorney General of Delaware from 2007 to 2015, and announced his intention to run for governor in the 2016 election; however, he tragically succumbed to glioblastoma before the election at the age of 46.
Following Beau's death, Joe Biden published the memoir Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose, reflecting on his son's struggle with brain cancer, as well as its impact on both his own family and national politics. One of Beau's final wishes was for his father to remain in the public arena, and his death cemented the elder Biden's resolve to continue his years of public service and run for president. In accepting the Democratic nomination for the presidency at the 2020 DNC, Biden said: 'While he is no longer with us, Beau inspires me every day. Beau served our nation in uniform. A decorated Iraq war veteran. So I take very personally the profound responsibility of serving as Commander in Chief.'
