Description
The first American edition of Mr. Roosevelt by Compton Mackenzie, inscribed by President Franklin Roosevelt to his eldest daughter, Anna Roosevelt Halsted.
Octavo, 256pp. Publisher’s light blue cloth, title stamped in red on covers. Stated “first edition” on copyright page. Sunning to spine, light rubbing to boards. Top edge dyed red. Occasional pencil underlining; dog eared pages referring the Anna Roosevelt. Paired with the publisher’s first state dust jacket, $3.75 on front flap, chipping along top edge, notable shelf wear. Housed in custom blue cloth chemise, title in gilt on spine over red morocco. This work was preceded by the English publication in 1943. (Halter T-294)
Inscribed on the front free endpaper: “For Anna – with love from her affectionate Pa-Pa. Franklin D. Roosevelt.”
Anna Roosevelt Halsted (1906-1975) was the eldest daughter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. During her father’s presidency, she filled in for her frequently traveling mother and acted as her father’s personal assistant, handling correspondence, and managing administrative tasks. Following her father’s death, she worked as an author, speaker, and advocate for women’s civil rights. Anna Roosevelt served as a delegate to the United Nations, chairing the organization’s Commission on Human Rights. She died on December 1, 1975.
