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The Concerns of a Citizen – Governor of Michigan

The Concerns of a Citizen, signed by George Romney.

Octavo, 288pp. Blue cloth, title in gilt on spine. First edition with no additional printings noted on copyright page. Blue end papers. In publishers dust jacket, $5.95 on front flap, light wear at edges, bright colors, shelf wear on front panel. Inscribed by Governor Romney: “To _, One of the things that made my candidacy effort worthwhile was getting to know you and your delightful children. Lenore and I will always cherish memories of our efforts! George Romney.”
Comments: George Romney served as the Governor of Michigan from 1963-1969. He ran as a moderate republican in 1968, but lost the nomination to Richard Nixon. His son, Mitt Romney, was the republican candidate for President of the United States in 2012.

Labor Dictionary

Labor Dictionary: A Concise Encyclopedia of Labor Information by Professor Paul Hubert Casselman. From the library of Dorothy Comingore, labor activist, suspected communist and breakout Hollywood star of Citizen Kane.

Octavo, 554pp. Maroon cloth, title stamped in gilt on spine. No later printings mentioned on copyright page. Significant sunning to spine and front panel. Foxing to endpapers, faint dampstain to lower front corner of text block, but with minimal impact to text. Paired with the publisher’s dust jacket, chipping along top edge, retail price blacked out on front flap, a very good example. Signed on the front free endpaper by Dorothy Comingore.

Dorothy Comingore (1913-1971) was the breakout star of Citizen Kane, the critically acclaimed film by Orson Welles. As her fame grew, so did the FBI’s attention to her suspected communist activities. In 1952 she declined to answer questions when called in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HCUA), resulting in her being blacklisted from Hollywood. She never worked in Hollywood again and struggled with alcoholism in her later years.

Cry, The Beloved Country

First edition, second printing of Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. From the library of Dorothy Comingore, Hollywood actress and star of Citizen Kane, later blacklisted for her communist sympathies.

Octavo, ix, [1], 278pp. Light blue cloth, title stamped in black and red on spine. Lacking Scribner’s A on copyright page. Light dust remnant along top edge, solid binding, dampstaining to lower corners, with no impact to text block. In the publisher’s dust jacket, $3.00 on front flap, chipping at top of spine, vibrant colors. Signed by Dorothy Comingore on the front free endpaper. An attractive example of one of the best-known works of South African literature.

The True Believer

The first edition, second printing of The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements by Eric Hoffer, signed by Hollywood activist and star of Citizen Kane, Dorothy Comingore.

Octavo, xiii, 176pp. Gray cloth, title on spine in black. Date code “E-A” on copyright page, lacking first edition statement. Foxing to endpapers, light soiling to cloth covers. Paired with the publisher’s second state dust jacket, $2.50 on front flap, reviews on rear panel, bright illustrations, a near fine copy. Signed in pencil on the front free endpaper by Dorothy Comingore.

The Cincinnati Union Terminal

Octavo, light brown calf, gilt title on cover. 100s of black and white illustration of Union Terminal. Rebound copy in leather local Cincinnati citizen. An attractive copy.
Comments: An interesting piece of Cincinnati history in an attractive presentation.

The Great Invasion of 1863

The first edition of The Great Invasion of 1863; or, General Lee in Pennsylvania by Jacob Hoke.

Thick octavo, xxxi, [30]-613pp, [3]. Publisher’s green cloth, title stamped in gilt on spine. Floral endpapers, solid hinges. This work is complete, with fold-out map of the Gettysburg Battlefield tipped into rear (fine condition), three engraved portraits with tissue covers and 31 illustrations and photographic plates. Light wear to cloth, small stain to spine, some wear to tips and head of spine. Dust remnant along top of text block. Solid text block. (Nevins I, 32) (Eicher, 89)

From Eicher: “Hoke offers an eyewitness account of the Pennsylvania campaign by a Chambersburg businessman, along with sporting material drawn from many official documents….Hoke’s great contribution may be in describing the reaction of Pennsylvania citizen to a coming raid as well as the reaction of local defense forces.”

Reminiscences of Abraham Lincoln and Notes of a Visit to California

From the library of General William T. Sherman, the first edition of Reminiscences of Abraham Lincoln and Notes of a Visit to California by his close friend, Joshua F. Speed.

Octavo, [2], 67pp, [3]. Brown cloth, title in gilt on spine and front cover. Dark green endpapers. Internally clean, solid text block. Archival tissue reinforcement to hinge of title page. Bookplate of “W.T. Sherman, General” and his son, Philemon T. Sherman, on the front endpaper.

(Howes, S-826) (Coleman 2953) (Monaghan 1005)

This work by Speed is one of three known copies to enter the public market. Provenance: The Sherman-Fitch Collection, Lot 51424-110, Fleischer’s Auction, 2024. This book was acquired by Philemon after his father’s death in 1891, at which point the “W.T. Sherman, General” bookplate was added. The second bookplate was added by Sherman’s grandson, Tecumseh Sherman Fitch (1908-1969), who inherited the collection in 1942.

At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Joshua F. Speed, a close friend of Lincoln since his days in the Illinois Legislature, coordinated Union military activities in Kentucky. This responsibility introduced him to Brig. General William T. Sherman, who commanded the Department of the Cumberland in Louisville. Sherman made numerous requests to Washington for supplies for his troops, but it took an intervention by Speed and his direct connection to Lincoln to make it happen. Sherman was amazed and said to Speed: “How is it that more attention is paid to the request of you, a citizen, than to me, a general in the army? You had better take command here.”

Speed replied: “The only mistake you made, General, was in not asking for more.”

The two men continued to exchange letters as Sherman’s military career moved forward. Their correspondence is likely why Sherman desired a copy of this short memoir by Speed.

The Cincinnati Directory – Contains Names, Profession and Occupation of the Inhabitants of the town, Alphabetically Arranged; with The Number Of The Buildings Occupied by Each. Also, An Account of Its Officers, Population, Institutions And Societies, Public Buildings, Manufactures.

First edition of The Cincinnati Directory, published in 1819. Twelvemo, [x]11-156. Original publishers leather binding, gilt bands on spine, title rubbed off, some cracking to spine. Missing map on front endpaper. Paper is toned. Includes almanac for 1820.

Seventeen Years’ History of The Life and Sufferings of James M’Lean

Second edition of Seventeen Years’ History of the Life and Sufferings of James M’Lean, describing his time as an American under forced conscription in the British Navy.

Small octavo, 27pp, [18]. Three-quarter sheepskin, title in gilt on spine. Marbled paper over boards, with matching marbled endpapers. Stated “Second Edition” on title page. Solid text block, some soiling to covers, foxing to leaves with text printed. (Howes M153) (Sabin 43513)

M’Lean was born in Windsor, Connecticut. In 1798, while sailing in the West Indies, he was impressed into the British Navy. He saw action at the Battle of the Nile, escaped in 1799, and was again impressed and served until 1805 when he again escaped. Serving on a French letter-of-marque he was taken by the British and served in India, the Persian Gulf and in China. He escaped for the final time in 1813 and made his way back to Newport, Rhode Island.

Full title: Seventeen Years’ History of the Life and Sufferings of James M’Lean. An Impressed American Citizen & Seaman. Embracing But A Summary of What He Endured, While Detained In The British Service, During that Long and Painful Period, Written by Himself.

Posted on January 31, 2018February 7, 2021 by Ted Twyman

Presidential Limited Editions

The surest way to guarantee you’re getting an authentic signed copy of a presidential book is to seek out a limited edition printing. At first glance, you’ll come across material from Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Richard Nixon, who were prolific signers during and after their presidency.

Its common to find a signed limited edition from President Nixon, number XX of 2500. But when you’ve been researching this field for many years, you’ll realize that unique limited edition items do exist. Here are some examples that got us excited when we came across them.

Mr. Citizen by President Harry Truman. This signed book can be found on the market in a limited edition of 1000 copies, but this edition here was held back for the author. Only 100 were printed for Mr. Truman.
That Shining Hour by Patricia Kennedy Lawford. This unassuming book was produced for members of the Kennedy Family and supporters shortly after the death of Robert Kennedy. Most are signed by a member of the Kennedy family but unsigned, they are still a unique presidential item.
Read My Lips: No New Taxes by Dan Ostrander. This book, which details the 1990 budget deal, was published in limited edition form by Butte College Press in 1990. There were 175 signed copies of the clothbound edition, signed by President Bush. An additional 26 copies, bound in leather, were produced as gifts for the publishers. This was a surprise after years of collecting George Bush limited editions.
Address of the President at the Opening of the Conference on the Japanese Peace Treaty by Harry Truman. This limited edition of 60 copies was bound by the Government Printing Office as Christmas Gifts for President Truman. These have occasionally surfaced on the market, but are rare, to say the least.
Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy. Published as a gift for family and political allies, 100 copies of President Kennedy’s important inaugural addresses were printed and signed. One of the most unique limited editions available on the market.

Mr. Justice Brandeis

The first edition of Mr. Justice Brandeis, edited by Felix Frankfurter, with the publisher’s scarce dust jacket.

Octavo, vi, [4], 232pp. Green cloth, title stamped in gilt on spine. No additional printings noted. Light spotting to cloth on rear cover. Ownership notation of E.E. Shaw on front free endpaper. In the publisher’s near fine dust jacket, light soiling from handling, rare in this condition.

Felix Frankfurter (1882-1965) was a prominent American jurist and Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, he immigrated to the United States as a child and became a naturalized citizen. He played a pivotal role in shaping constitutional law and championed the idea of judicial restraint. Serving on the Supreme Court from 1939 to 1962, Frankfurter’s opinions often reflected his commitment to preserving the Court’s integrity and the separation of powers. His writings include: The Business of the Supreme Court: A Study in the Federal Judicial System (1927), Mr. Justice Holmes and the Supreme Court (1931) – Frankfurter’s tribute to his mentor, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., and Of Law and Men (1956).

Felix Frankfurter Reminisces

First edition of Felix Frankfurter Reminisces: Recorded In Talks With Dr. Harlan B. Phillips and inscribed by Justice Frankfurter.

Octavo, ix, 310pp. Blue cloth, title stamped in gilt on spine over red print. The first printing, with no additional printings noted on copyright page. Bookplate on front endpaper, internally clean. In the publishers first state dust jacket, price clipped, no additional printing noted on front flap, light sunning to spine, a near fine example.

Inscribed on the front free endpaper: “For Elizabeth Kenney, whose horizons are evidently wider even than the vast reaches of the Supreme Court, with the good wishes of Felix Frankfurter / June 2, 1960.” Elizabeth Kenney was the secretary to Associate Justice Potter Stewart.

Felix Frankfurter (1882-1965) was a prominent American jurist and Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, he immigrated to the United States as a child and became a naturalized citizen. He played a pivotal role in shaping constitutional law and championed the idea of judicial restraint. Serving on the Supreme Court from 1939 to 1962, Frankfurter’s opinions often reflected his commitment to preserving the Court’s integrity and the separation of powers. His writings include: “The Business of the Supreme Court: A Study in the Federal Judicial System” (1927), “Mr. Justice Holmes and the Supreme Court” (1931) – Frankfurter’s tribute to his mentor, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., and “Of Law and Men” (1956).

The Cincinnati Directory

The first Cincinnati Directory, published in 1819, with the scarce “Plan of Cincinnati” map.

Twelvemo, [x], [11]-156pp, [3]. Period tree calf, title in gilt on spine, decorative gilt bands, both hinges starting. Printed by Morgan, Lodge & Company. Mount St. Joseph Library label on front free endpaper, no other indications of library usage. Boards heavily worn. Occasional toning and foxing throughout. Includes almanac for 1820 at preface, as expected. Complete with the “Plan of Cincinnati”, dated 1819, with two tape repairs, minimal toning, solid hinges, a bright example. Housed in custom green cloth clamshell. A scarce work.

(Thompson, 196) (Howes C409) (Sabin 13085)

This first directory of Cincinnati details the local government, distilleries, canal systems, shipping project and prominent citizens. It was followed by a second edition in 1825, but only a small number were printed, making them exceptionally scarce.

Lincoln Steffens Speaking

First edition of Lincoln Steffens Speaking, from the library of Hollywood actress and communist sympathizer, Dorothy Comingore.

Octavo, xii, 315pp. Black cloth, title stamped in silver. Stated “first edition” on the copyright page. Light wear to cloth, rubbing to spine, toning to leaves. Solid text block. In the publisher’s dust jacket, $2.50 on front flap, chipping to edges, some loss along top edge of front panel, a good example.

Signed on the front free endpaper by Dorothy Comingore.

The Vantage Point

First edition of The Vantage Point by President Lyndon B. Johnson, inscribed to Governor George Romney, just days before Johnson’s death.

Octavo, x, [2], 636pp. Red cloth, title printed on spine over blue print. Stated “first edition” on copyright page. Remnants of tape on copyright page, title page and front endpaper. Two folded pages (204-5), possibly an error by the publisher. In publisher’s first state dust jacket, $15.00 on front flap, faint toning to spine. Some separation of glassine cover along top edge, which is common with this dust jacket.

The book is inscribed: “For Governor George Romney, Whose concern for his fellowman excites me. With admiration & respect, Lyndon B. Johnson. LBJ Ranch. Jan. 9, 1973.” Also includes two paragraphs of notes by George Romney, detailing his meeting with Lyndon Johnson in 1973.

At this point in his career, former Governor George Romney was serving as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for President Richard Nixon, but with Nixon winning a second term, Romney had decided to resign.

The following are the notes from Governor George Romney regarding his January 9th, 1973 meeting with President Johnson at the LBJ Ranch.

Notes are written opposite the title page: “Flying from L.B.J. Ranch to Dallas. / President Johnson visited with me for three hours. He indicated the largest amount of legislation in history, passed by a single Pres. (passed by him) was as a result of crisis. He indicated that even though he had support of most groups, it took a crisis to get action. This included the open housing legislation passed following Martin Luther King’s assassination. Three weeks before he had refused the request of all Civil Rights leaders to issue an open housing executive order and told Clarence Mitchell it would take ten years to get such legislation. / Pres. Johnson said when I talked about basic reform being dependent on a crisis he almost interrupted to say ‘amen.’ The Concerned Citizen Movement I outlined he described as being as being [sic] ‘right on target.’ He gave me names and was willing to advise on the organizing leadership group. / In describing his problems as President he said his greatest problem was communication. That Nixon was better – deserved an A – compared to D for him – but that Nixon is now in trouble. / Of great interest was his account of almost withdrawing from re-nomination a day before the 1964 Convention and Lady Bird’s letter to him while in a Nat. Security Meeting. George Romney.”

Full Text of George Romney inscription.