Garfield’s signed copy of the 1867 “Eau de Cologne” promotional pamphlet distributed after the Paris International Exhibition, 5.25 x 8, 10 pages. Notated and signed on the front cover, “To be preserved as a curious specimen of French English, J.A.G. Paris, Oct. 18th 1867.” Center pages loose, mariginal binding holes to left edge, and a bit of light foxing, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a color photocopy of the inside cover of Garfield’s bound pamphlets with his 2.5 x 1.5 bookplate “Inter Folia Fructus / Library of / James A. Garfield.” Also present is a photocopy of the notation handwritten by Garfield, instructing the bookbinder as to the title and endpapers desired “Miscellaneous / Pamphlets / ½ Turkey,” i.e. turkey marbled endpapers resembling turkey feathers.
The Paris International Exhibition of 1867 showed perfumes and soaps separate from those available at the nearby pharmacy—thus establishing an independence commercial area for ‘cosmetics.’ Garfield, at the time serving as an Ohio congressman, had visited Paris with his wife as part of a 17-week tour of Europe...making a stop at the aforementioned exhibition along the way. As noted, Garfield found this publication to be “a curious specimen of French English,” particular in the way that the French would translate their verbiage into English, such as ‘Eau de Cologne’ and other phrases. Unique artifact from the personal library of the future 20th president. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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