Description
Signed limited edition of Crusade in Europe by Dwight D. Eisenhower, inscribed to his lead nurse at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in 1955 after suffering a heart attack .
Octavo, xiv, 559pp. Tan buckram, gilt title over black on spine. Illustrated endpapers. Top edge gilt, uncut edges. In the publisher’s original acetate jacket, light toning at spine, chip to lower edge, a near fine example. In the publisher’s slipcase, light soiling to all panels, some shelf wear, solid seams. From a limited edition of 1426 copies signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this being number 468.
Additional inscription by President Eisenhower: “For: Lieut. Lorraine Knox – With lasting appreciation of devoted and competent service at Fitzsimons Hospital in the autumn of 1955; – and with kindest regard and best wishes from her friend, Dwight D. Eisenhower.” An exceptional association copy
On September 24, 1955, President Eisenhower suffered a heart attack while vacationing in Denver, Colorado. He was taken to Fitzsimons Army Hospital, where he spent the next seven weeks convalescing. During his time at Fitzsimons, his lead nurse was Army 1st Lt. Lorraine P. Knox, who devoted herself to his care. At the request of Eisenhower, the two remained friends after leaving the hospital, frequently exchanging gifts and letters. In one letter from March 1956, two days after announcing his plans to run again for president, Eisenhower wrote to Lt. Knox: “There have been times, these past few weeks, when I could have wished myself back on the 8th Floor, under your care. Cross word puzzles are not as difficult a job as I had. D.” Copies of correspondence from the Eisenhower Presidential Library are included with this book.
