Bill Clinton Kisses Mabel Storts' Hand AP Photo Credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez

Former President Bill Clinton came to a Rugged Elegance Select Establishment, Book Passage yesterday at San Francisco's Ferry Building to sign his biography My Life.

Book Passage co-owner, Elaine Petrocelli looked on as Mabel Storts, of Sausalito, California received a kiss from the former President. Storts was one of over 3,500 in attendance at the sold-out event. A great day for Book Passage and the entire Financial District's Ferry Building!

For those in attendance, you'd think a movie star had come to town.

Yesterday's event was the largest ever for Book Passage, which year-in, year-out presents headline authors for readings and book-signings. Prior to yesterday, its biggest event previously had been with Clinton's wife, Hillary, who attracted more than 2,000 to their flagship Corte Madera store earlier this year. "He broke her record days ago," said Petrocelli.

"This is probably twice as big," said store manager Calvin Crosby.

Bill and Elaine Petrocelli were among hundreds of bookstore owners across the country who wrote a proposal suggesting Clinton make an appearance at their place of business. In her proposal, Elaine wrote, "Do you want to get into Harvard? I'd be happy to write your essay for you."

When they learned that Book Passage had been accepted as one of Clinton's book signing venues, they expected the event would take place at their Corte Madera store. However, Random House-Knopf changed the venue to San Francisco at the Clinton camp's request.

In six days, Clinton's book publisher, Alfred A. Knopf said they have already sold nearly one million copies of My Life. Clinton's autobiography has become the biggest selling non-fiction debut ever.

With an online audience of 200,000 visitors a month, discerning lifestyle publisher, Rugged Elegance (RuggedElegance.com, RuggedElegantLiving.com and RE: San Francisco) alone sold over 418 copies in 12 days.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, the thirty pages of photographs selected for his book may justify the $35 retail price ($21 if purchased at Amazon).

To conclude the President's day, the American Himalayan Foundation hosted an evening event benefit with the former President at The Fairmont.

Other RuggedElegantLiving.com Stories About Bill Clinton & Book Passage:

06/21/04, San Francisco's Book Passage to Host President Bill Clinton

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