Description
The first edition of This Is Wendell Willkie, inscribed by the author to the daughter of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, Carl Van Doren.
Octavo, [2], 280pp. Blue cloth, title in gilt on spine and front cover. The first edition, with no additional printings mentioned on copyright page. Wear along the spine, dust remnant along top edge of the text block. Internally clean, solid text block. In publisher’s dust jacket, $1.50 retail price on front flap, light wear along top edge, a few short closed tears, a very good example.
Signed by Wendell Willkie on the front free end paper: “To Bobby / I know you will always doubt that others than the Van Doren’s can induce publishers to publish them. Here’s the proof + with it my love. Wendell.”
Wendell Willkie was the Republican nominee for president in 1940, losing to President Franklin Roosevelt. Willkie supported intervention in WWII, which was contrary to many of the America First policies of his fellow Republicans. He was briefly discussed as a vice presidential candidate for President Roosevelt in 1944, but the option never moved forward. He was also discussed for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations, but he would die at the age of 54 in 1944.
