Former President George H.W. Bush honoured his wife's work promoting literacy with a subtle fashion statement, socks covered in books.

The nation's 41st president attended his wife's funeral in a dark suit and black shoes. But peeking out in between were knitted stacks of blue, red and yellow books.

Family spokesman Jim McGrath tweeted a photo of the former president's attire, saying Mr Bush wanted to honour his wife's commitment to family literacy during her life.

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