Description
Limited edition of Dutch Houses in the Hudson Valley Before 1776, inscribed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, to his son, John Aspinwall Roosevelt.
Quarto, [14], 467pp, [1]. Yellow cloth over blue cloth spine, title stamped in gilt on spine. Housed in the publisher’s paper slipcase, title on label affixed to the spine. Includes the publisher’s scarce dust jacket, notable loss at spine, chipping along edges, hinges starting, a fragile example. Housed in a custom half morocco chemise, raised bands, title in gilt on spine. Includes the publisher’s map of the “Dutch Settlement of the Hudson River Valley” in sleeve on rear endpaper. (Halter T 408)
From a limited edition of 250 copies, printed for members of the Holland Society of New York, this being number 8. Inscribed on the front free endpaper: “For John Aspinwall Roosevelt, from his affectionate father, Franklin D. Roosevelt.”
(Provenance: Christie’s, Lot 2514, May 2011. / Sotheby’s, Lot 5918, June 1989.)
John Aspinwall Roosevelt (1916-1981) was the youngest child of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. He attended Groton School and Harvard College, graduating in 1938. Following in his father’s footsteps, John pursued a career in law, earning his degree from Harvard Law School in 1940. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant. After the war, he practiced law in New York City, focusing primarily on corporate law. John Aspinwall Roosevelt was also actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout his life, including serving on the boards of charitable organizations. He passed away in 1981.
