Signed book: Addresses of Franklin D. Roosevelt: July 1940 to Jan. 1941. Limited edition printing. Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1941. Hardcover, 7.25 x 10.25, 114 pages. Signed on the first free end page, “With a Happy Christmas from Franklin D. Roosevelt,” and initialed “F.D.R.” on the colophon page following the printed text: “Seventy-five copies of this book have been printed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the U.S. Government Printing Office. December Nineteen Hundred and Forty-One, This copy is number,” with “45” added by Roosevelt. In fine condition, with a block of toning to last free end page and back pastedown, scattered staining to covers and spine, and a few dings to head and tail of spine.
Just a few short weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the thrusting of the United States into World War II, FDR—a noted book collector—presented copies of this book to his closest friends. Ten of his addresses are included, beginning with his July 19, 1940 speech announcing that he had decided after his 1936 reelection not to run in 1940 and “when the conflict broke out last September, it was still my intention to announce clearly and simply, at an early date, that under no conditions would I accept reelection.” Roosevelt changed his mind after asking himself, “whether I have the right, as Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, to call on men and women to serve their country or to train themselves to serve and, at the same time, decline to serve my country in my own personal capacity.” A scarce offering dating from America’s first Christmas in a world at war. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
