signed first edition
1942 · Washington, D.C.
by Roosevelt, Franklin Delano
Washington, D.C.: The White House [Government Printing Office], 1942. First edition, limited issue of 100 numbered and signed copies (this is #29). A crisp, clean copy, very near fine, in the publisher’s marbled boards with white vellum spine and applied gilt-stamped morocco spine label. Some foxing to the bottom of the vellum, a few abrasions with minor losses to rear board, and some tiny nicks to the spine label with no loss. Lacking the glassine jacket, but with the publisher’s slipcase, dampstained at one corner and with the boards bowed inward; still sound. Else a superb example, very good overall. First edition, limited issue of 100 numbered and signed copies (this is #29). Probably the rarest and most sought-after of the Roosevelt “Christmas books,” this is #29 of 100 limited copies, personally signed and hand-numbered by Roosevelt, and additionally inscribed by him on the first free endpaper to his long-time friend, colleague, and confidante: “For Marvin H. McIntyre / with the affectionate regards of his old friend / Franklin D. Roosevelt / Christmas 1942.”
This was one of the last of FDR's annual “Christmas books,” and it contains some of the most affecting and significant speeches delivered by him and his British counterpart, Winston Churchill, all during the first month of America's engagement in World War II. Among these are FDR's “Day of Infamy” speech, formally seeking a declaration of war against Japan from Congress; his January 6, 1942, State of the Union message; and Churchill's December 26, 1941, address to the United States Congress. After fulfilling so many of his earlier promises in bringing stability and hope to the middle class in the wake of the Depression, Roosevelt used these eloquent addresses to help shepherd a weary nation into perhaps its most significant military sacrifice, fighting the menace of fascism, and developing a cold, but nevertheless open and important relationship with the Soviet Union. A fold-out facsimile of the “Declaration by United Nations," pledging global cooperation in combating the members of the Tripartite Pact, appears after the president's speech on the subject near the rear of the volume.
Examples of this Christmas book are extremely rare in commerce; many are treasured by the descendants of those who had received them personally as gifts from Roosevelt, and those that have sold at auction have attained very healthy results, often surpassing the high estimate. This copy is especially significant because it is inscribed to McIntyre, who first met and befriended Roosevelt when they both worked for the Secretary of the Navy during the First World War. He shared day-to-day scheduling responsibilities with Steven T. Early when Roosevelt ran for Vice President in 1920, and for his 1932 presidential campaign, the candidate asked “Mac” to be his Press Officer. McIntyre served in several capacities in the administration, and was as close to the President during his workday as Missy LeHand or Grace Tully, Roosevelt’s very well-known secretaries. FDR relied on his trusted friend to speak to the press, organize his endless parade of meetings, and manage the expectations of anyone who got close to him, and "Mac" was present when Roosevelt learned of the attack on Pearl Harbor. McIntyre died a week before Christmas 1943, when Roosevelt was in the middle of his third term.
A rare occasion to obtain one of the most prized of FDR volumes, inscribed here to one of his most valued friends. Halter, Appendix B (p. 193). Halter, Appendix B (p. 193) (Inventory #: 371941)
This was one of the last of FDR's annual “Christmas books,” and it contains some of the most affecting and significant speeches delivered by him and his British counterpart, Winston Churchill, all during the first month of America's engagement in World War II. Among these are FDR's “Day of Infamy” speech, formally seeking a declaration of war against Japan from Congress; his January 6, 1942, State of the Union message; and Churchill's December 26, 1941, address to the United States Congress. After fulfilling so many of his earlier promises in bringing stability and hope to the middle class in the wake of the Depression, Roosevelt used these eloquent addresses to help shepherd a weary nation into perhaps its most significant military sacrifice, fighting the menace of fascism, and developing a cold, but nevertheless open and important relationship with the Soviet Union. A fold-out facsimile of the “Declaration by United Nations," pledging global cooperation in combating the members of the Tripartite Pact, appears after the president's speech on the subject near the rear of the volume.
Examples of this Christmas book are extremely rare in commerce; many are treasured by the descendants of those who had received them personally as gifts from Roosevelt, and those that have sold at auction have attained very healthy results, often surpassing the high estimate. This copy is especially significant because it is inscribed to McIntyre, who first met and befriended Roosevelt when they both worked for the Secretary of the Navy during the First World War. He shared day-to-day scheduling responsibilities with Steven T. Early when Roosevelt ran for Vice President in 1920, and for his 1932 presidential campaign, the candidate asked “Mac” to be his Press Officer. McIntyre served in several capacities in the administration, and was as close to the President during his workday as Missy LeHand or Grace Tully, Roosevelt’s very well-known secretaries. FDR relied on his trusted friend to speak to the press, organize his endless parade of meetings, and manage the expectations of anyone who got close to him, and "Mac" was present when Roosevelt learned of the attack on Pearl Harbor. McIntyre died a week before Christmas 1943, when Roosevelt was in the middle of his third term.
A rare occasion to obtain one of the most prized of FDR volumes, inscribed here to one of his most valued friends. Halter, Appendix B (p. 193). Halter, Appendix B (p. 193) (Inventory #: 371941)
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