Description
First edition of A President’s Odyssey by Merriman Smith, inscribed to Robert W. Woodruff, the president of Coca-Cola, with an additional inscription by President Eisenhower’s personal secretary, Ann C. Whitman.
Octavo, xii, 272pp, [1]. Blue cloth, spine in black cloth, title stamped in silver on spine. Stated “first edition” with M-K date below. This copy appears largely unread, faint offsetting to endpapers from dust jacket, a near fine example. In the publisher’s near fine dust jacket, retail price on front flap, light shelf wear, chipping to spine, bright illustration. This copy is from the estate of Robert W. Woodruff. Inscribed by the author: “for Bob Woodruff – With best wishes – Merriman Smith / January 17, 1961.” Additional inscription from Ann C. Whitman: “Just so you know how I’ve occupied my non-Augusta time. Ann.”
Ann C. Whitman (1908-1991) served as President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s personal secretary for his entire presidency. Whitman was known for her exceptional record-keeping, with journalists such as Merriman Smith relying on her diary and presidential records to author their biographical works. The recipient of this book, Robert W. Woodruff (1889-1985), was the president of The Coca-Cola Company from 1923-1955 but remained a member of the company’s Board of Directors until 1984. Woodruff became friends with Eisenhower during WWII, with the two quail hunting in Georgia after the war. Woodruff was part of “the Gang” at Augusta National Golf Club who invited Eisenhower to join in 1948. The two remained friends until Eisenhower’s death in 1969.
