Description
The first edition of Eleanor Roosevelt As I Knew Her by Mollie Somerville, with a letter from First Lady Hillary Clinton, inviting Somerville back to the White House.
Octavo, 176pp. Illustrated softcover, title in gilt on the front wrap. Stated “First Printing, April 1996” on the copyright page. Includes the publisher’s dust jacket, $17.95 retail price on the front flap, a fine example.
Somerville worked as a writer and researcher for Eleanor Roosevelt from 1932 until 1941. This copy includes a letter from First Lady Hillary Clinton, on White House stationery, inviting the author to “visit your former haunts,” with an offer from Mrs. Clinton to host the tour. Mrs. Somerville accepted the offer. It was her first time back since she left the Roosevelt administration in 1941.
(Washington Post, 2009)
Letter reads: “August 7, 1995 / Dear Ms. Somerville: How kind of you to write and share with me some of your memories and experiences at the White House when Mrs. Roosevelt was First Lady. Although never privileged to meet her, of course, I do feel I have come to “know” her by extensively reading about her – through writings of others as well as her own. I have begun writing my column with an eagerness and enthusiasm to communicate with people all across our great nation. The subject matter will vary widely, as did Mrs. Roosevelt’s, and I am hopeful it will prove to be an effective vehicle for greater understanding of issues and the roles individuals can play in resolving them, for giving readers an opportunity to see things from a somewhat different perspective, and for encouraging dialogue. With best regards and gratitude for your contributions in this place many years ago, I am Sincerely yours, Hillary Rodham Clinton / Handwritten postscript: If you ever would wish to visit your former haunts, I would like to host you. Please call my assistant, Pam, at 456-2369 if you are able to arrange a time.”
