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Alzheimer’s Letter to the American People

A letter from Ronald Reagan to the American people, a very scarce copy.

Ronald Reagan’s letter to the American people, announcing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Two page copy of the original manuscript letter on Reagan Office stationery. Size: 11 by 8.5 sheets. Framed for presentation, with plaque detailing the significance of the letter. Signed by President Reagan in the upper margins in blue ink: “11-5-94 / Ronald Reagan.” Provenance: University Archives (April 14, 2000), with associated documentation. Records indicate that only one other copy of this letter has appeared at auction. An incredibly scarce historical document.

“In closing, let me thank you, the American people for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future. I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.”

American Is In Danger

America is in Danger by Curtis LeMay, signed first edition.

Signed first edition of America Is In Danger by General Curtis E. LeMay.

Octavo, xv, 346pp. Dark blue cloth, title printed on spine in white and gold. Top edge pink. First edition, with no mention of other printings on copyright page. In the publisher’s dust jacket, near fine, with $5.95 price on front flap, light wear to internal flaps, covers fine.

Signed by author, General Curtis LeMay, on tipped-in leaf.

Comments: General Curtis LeMay (1906-1990) was a general in the United States Air Force. He is best remembered for the strategic, yet controversial, bombings of mainland Japan. His firebombing of Tokyo was considered crucial to the allied victory in the Pacific Theater, but resulted in a massive loss of civilian life. Later in life, LeMay was asked by Alabama Governor George Wallace to join his presidential ticket in 1968.

Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator

First edition of Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator by Thomas S. Buechner, signed by Norman Rockwell.

Folio, 328pp. Red cloth, title in gilt on spine. No additional printings listed on copyright page. Solid text block, faint foxing to fore edge, dust remnants to top and bottom edges, with hundreds of vibrant images and fold-outs. In publisher’s dust jacket, with 7 additional works by Abrams listed on rear flap, slight crease to rear flap fold, a clean, near fine example. Housed in publisher’s original box, with some toning, dust remnants and wear at edges. Signed by Rockwell on front free endpaper. A stunning, near fine copy chronicling Rockwell’s work throughout his life.

Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) was a famous American painter and illustrator. He was best known for his depictions of American culture, especially figures like Willie Gillis and Rosie the Riveter, as seen on the covers of The Saturday Evening Post. He produced over 4,000 original pieces throughout his life, covering pop culture, political figures, traditional American life, and later on more serious topics like racial integration with the painting The Problem We All Live With.

Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator

First edition of Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator by Thomas S. Buechner.

Folio, 328pp. Red cloth, title in gilt on spine. No additional printings listed on copyright page. Solid text block, light stain to top edge, not impacting text. Includes hundreds of vibrant images and fold-outs. In publisher’s dust jacket, with 7 additional works by Abrams listed on rear flap, small closed tear to rear flap fold, some shelf wear, a very good example. A bright copy chronicling Rockwell’s work throughout his life.

The Old Farm House

The Old Farm House, a winter scene, published by Currier & Ives in 1872.

Hand colored lithographed and published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau St., New York. Image measures 12 3/8 x 8 3/8. Closed tear along top quarter, tissue repairs to verso. Framed with white matte, gold trim, points of rubbing and wear to wood frame. (Conningham 4557) An attractive piece.

Currier and Ives was a prominent American printmaking firm that operated from 1834 to 1907. They are best known for their lithographs, which depicted a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, historical scenes, portraits, and everyday life in 19th-century America. Their prints were widely popular and affordable, making them accessible to a broad audience. Some of the famous lithographs produced by Currier and Ives include: American Homestead Winter, Clipper Ship ‘Flying Cloud’, The Life of a Fireman, The Four Seasons of Life: Middle Age, and American Railroad Scene.

Roadside Cottage

Roadside Cottage from Currier & Ives.

Hand colored lithograph, previously framed. Mounting tape on verso, light soiling to image, toning to borders. Soiling to verso. Printed on wove paper cardstock, image measures 9 1/2 x 16 3/4″. Lithographed and published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau St., New York. (Conningham 5174)

The Western Farmers Home

The Western Farmers Home by Currier & Ives, published in 1871.

Lithographed and published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau St., New York. Image measures 12 3/8 x 8 1/2″. Hand-colored lithograph, printed on wove paper stock. Bright illustrations, a near fine example. Framed with white matte. (Conningham 6619)

A Home In The Wilderness

A Home In The Wilderness, a winter scene, published by Currier & Ives in 1870.

Hand colored lithographed and published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau St., New York. Image measures 12 1/2 x 8″. Bright illustrations, printed on wove cardstock. Framed with white matte, gold trim, points of rubbing and wear to wood frame. (Conningham 2861) An attractive piece.

Hunting Fishing And Forest Scenes

Hand colored lithograph from Currier & Ives, Hunting Fishing and Forest Scenes: Shantying, On The Lake Shore, published in 1867.

Lithographed and published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau St., New York. Framed with white matte, measures 24 1/2″ x 30 1/2″. (Conningham 3002) A companion piece to Conningham 3001. A second issue was produced the same year, titled Shantying on the Lake Shore (Conningham 5478). Image measures 16 7/8 x 24 7/8. Printed on wove paper, 3 inch margin along bottom. Light toning to image, a few minor points of soiling along left quarter. A bright, attractive piece.

The Old Oaken Bucket

From Currier & Ives, The Old Oaken Bucket by Frances Flora Palmer, published in 1864.

Lithographed and published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau St., New York. Short closed tear along top edge, archival tissue repair. Printed on wove paper. Includes 2 stanzas and 4 lines of verse by Samuel T. Woodworth. Original artwork by Frances Flora Bond Palmer. Image measures 15 15/16 x 23 3/8. (Conningham 4576) In wood frame, not examined outside of frame. An attractive work.

When Frances Fanny” Flora Bond Palmer moved to New York from England in 1844 she was thirty-two and an accomplished artist and printmaker. Initially, Fanny and her husband Seymour operated a small print-shop in lower Manhattan, similar to one they had run in Leicester (United Kingdom). In 1849, the couple moved to Brooklyn after the business closed. Nathaniel Currier recognized Palmers talent and began to buy her drawings to use as print designs. After Currier & Ives was established in 1857 she became a staff artist. As a designer able to transfer images to lithographic stones for printing, Palmer produced more than 200 prints for the firm and today is regarded as a leading woman lithographer of the period.” – Met Museum, 2023.

Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator

First edition of Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator by Thomas S. Buechner.

Folio, 328pp. Red cloth, title in gilt on spine. No additional printings listed on copyright page. Solid text block, faint dust remnants to top edge, a fine example. In publisher’s dust jacket, with 7 of Abrams’ other books listed on rear flap, one small mark to rear panel, a near fine example. Housed in publisher’s original box, damp stain to bottom edges, not affecting text, top flap missing.

Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator

Signed limited edition of Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator.

Folio, 328pp. Leather bound, title in gilt on spine. “Normal Rockwell” stamped in blind on front cover. Marbled endpapers. Lacking slipcase. Solid text block, light wear to corners, small dents to front cover, faint rubbing to rear cover. Occasional transference from color plates. Stated copy C / 21 of 1,100 copies, with ten collotypes labeled A through J. Signed by Norman Rockwell and Thomas S. Buechner on the limitation page.

Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) was an American painter and illustrator. He was best known for his depictions of American culture, especially figures like Willie Gillis and Rosie the Riveter, as seen on the covers of The Saturday Evening Post. He produced over 4,000 original pieces throughout his life, covering pop culture, political figures, traditional American life, and later on more serious topics like racial integration with the painting The Problem We All Live With.

Posted on January 29, 2018February 10, 2021 by Ted Twyman

Historical Highlight: John F. Kennedy

Date of Birth: May 29, 1917
Died On: November 22, 1963 (age 46)
Cause of Death: Assassination

9 Fascinating Facts About JFK

President Kennedy was a prolific author before his time as President. He wrote the following books:
- Why England Slept (1940)
- As We Remember Joe (1945)
- Prelude to Leadership (1945)
- Profiles in Courage (1956)
- A Nation of Immigrants (1959)
- The Burden and the Glory (1964)
He suffered from Addison Disease throughout his life.
Bought 1,200 Cuban cigars the day before an Executive Order banned Cuban imports
Obsessed with his weight to the point that he traveled with a bathroom scale
Donated his entire salary as president to charity
Loved playing Bridge and reading James Bond novels
Got into a fender bender with Larry King while he was a Senator
Was the last president to be sworn in wearing a top hat
He was the target of at least 4 assassination attempts

Naval Service

Following his graduation from Harvard, John F. Kennedy entered the Navy. After he completed basic training, he was assigned command of PT-109 in the South Pacific. While in the Pacific, one of the boats he commanded was hit and he was injured. Despite being injured, Kennedy helped a fellow naval officer by swimming them both to safety.

Upon completion of his naval career, Lieutenant Kennedy received multiple awards for heroism. His war medals include: Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and WWII Victory Medal.

House of Representatives (1947-1953)

Kennedy won the 11th Congressional District in Massachusetts in 1947. The seat became available when U.S. Representative James Michael Curley vacated his seat to become the mayor of Boston. With the backing of his father, Kennedy’s campaign was successful, ending with him taking 73 percent of the vote.

Kennedy served six years in the House of Representatives. His focus was largely on international affairs. While in the House, Kennedy supported many major acts of legislation including the Truman Doctrine, the Labor Management Relations Act, and the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Senate and Presidential Campaign (1953-1963)

As early as 1949, JFK began preparing for a senatorial career. In 1952, Kennedy defeated three-term incumbent Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. by a wide margin to win the seat in the Senate. During his time in the Senate, Kennedy underwent two spinal operations.

While recovering, Kennedy wrote his Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiography, Profiles in Courage. Kennedy also married his wife, Jacqueline, during his second year in the Senate. In 1960, John F. Kennedy formally announced that he would be running for the Democratic presidential nomination. His youth and experience were questioned, but his charisma won many over.

The fact that Kennedy was a Catholic was viewed as a negative to many in the country, but his adamant message of separation of church and state would eventually win over some within the anti-Catholic crowd. Kennedy selected Lyndon B. Johnson as his vice presidential nominee despite opposition from his brother, Robert.

In the first-ever televised presidential debates, Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon squared off against each other. The television debates became a turning point for Kennedy, giving him the edge over Nixon. People who listened to the debate on the radio believed that Nixon had won. Kennedy eventually went on to defeat Nixon in one of the closest elections of the 20th century.

Presidency (1961-1963)

The Kennedy Administration began on January 20, 1961. In his inaugural address, he famously said: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Kennedy’s address expressed his confidence that his administration would make significant impacts both domestically and abroad. Kennedy’s time in office is remembered as a time engulfed with foreign policy crisis.

The Cold War, the Space Race, the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Bay of Pigs are all vividly remembered as critical times in American history. Kennedy’s domestic program, called the “New Frontier,” promised federal funding for education, medial care for the elderly, economic aid to rural regions, and government intervention to stop the recession. During his time in office, Kennedy was also an advocate for the Civil Rights Movement.

Assassination

On November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated while on a political trip. While riding in a presidential motorcade, Kennedy was shot once in the back and once in his head by Lee Harvey Oswald. He was immediately rushed to Parkland Hospital where he was pronounced dead 30 minutes later. He died at the age of 46, serving 1,036 days in office.

Posted on September 3, 2018January 19, 2021 by Ted Twyman

Rand, Roosevelt, & Earhart: Three Women’s Contributions to Society

Rand, Roosevelt, & Earhart - featured image

There is nothing quite like a good biography. With absolutely no fictional information, the writer will take a reader on an adventure to an entirely another world. The best part? This isn’t a creation from someone’s mind, but rather a picture of another living, breathing human being doing the best they could in a world in which they lived. Here, we take a closer look at some of the most famous women examined in biographies who have made invaluable contributions to history and society: Ayn Rand, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Amelia Earhart.

Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand is best known for her two best-selling books, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. She was born in Russia in 1905 as Alissa Rosenbaum and then moved to the US in 1926, first to Chicago, and then to try her hand in Hollywood. Rand was a staunch proponent of individual self-interest over collectivist values due to her experience with her father’s shop being overtaken by Bolshevik soldiers, forcing her family to live in poverty in Crimea. This philosophy was echoed in her first novel, We the Living, and became even more prominent in her later works. In addition to literature, Rand also worked in film, with titles like Red Pawn and Penthouse Legend (later renamed Night of January 16th) under her belt.

Over the years, she coined the term “objectivism”, a belief in a solid reality in which there are existing truths, as well as the moral importance of looking out for self-interest. The development of objectivism essentially ended her literary career, at which point she became a bona fide intellectual, forming a group that called itself “The Collective” and included members such as Alan Greenspan, the one-time Federal Reserve Chairman. She continued to teach and pursue speaking engagements until she died of heart failure in New York City in 1982.

Elanor Roosevelt

Meanwhile, Eleanor Roosevelt is probably one of the most influential First Ladies in American History. She was born in 1884 in New York City, and was not only married to US President Franklin D. Roosevelt but also was the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt. Eleanor truly redefined the role of First Lady by taking up and pursuing issues she was passionate about. She was not a woman content to be at home pursuing a domestic life. This go-getter attitude can probably first be traced back to World War I when she worked for the Red Cross. Years later, during her time as First Lady, she was a fierce advocate for human rights, children’s rights, and women’s rights.

She balanced this work while acting as a caregiver to her husband who suffered from a polio attack and needed assistance for the rest of his life. Reading and rhetoric were two of her strengths, having penned her own column and holding many a press conference in her day. Eleanor even went on to write several books, including This is My Story, This I Remember, On My Own, and It’s Up To The Women. After her time in the White House, she proceeded to become the chair of the UN’s Human Rights Commission, continuing her legacy for public service until her death in 1962.

Amelia Earhart

Finally, there is the autobiography of Amelia Earhart, who was the first female pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Affectionately coined “Lady Lindy,” she broke the barrier for women in her field. Earhart was only the 16th woman to be issued a pilot’s license and also served as the first person to fly over both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. She is, unfortunately, also well known for her mysterious disappearance alongside navigator Fred Noonan. While attempting to fly around the world, the pair disappeared near Howland Island out in the Pacific Ocean. She was legally declared dead by the Los Angeles Superior Courts in 1939.

Whether a Russian immigrant credited with producing some of the most well-known novels of the 20th century, an impassioned First Lady for the ages, or an airplane pilot going where no woman had gone before, biographies transport us to a world beyond our own and serve as an inspiration and a record to last the test of time.