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I Led 3 Lives – Citizen “Communist” Counterspy

Signed first edition of I Led 3 Lives by Herbert A. Philbrick. Octavo, 398pp. Original black cloth. First edition with no additional printings on copyright page. In publishers dust jacket, $3.50 on front flap, some wear at edges, chipping along top edge of back panel, bright colors. Signed on the front endpaper in blue ink.

Comments: Herbert Philbrick infiltrated the U.S. communist party for the FBI in the 1940’s and wrote about his experiences in this book. The book inspired a television drama series in the 1950s, staring Richard Carlson.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.”

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).

New York In The War Of The Rebellion 1861 to 1865

Signed first edition of New York In The War Of The Rebellion 1861 to 1865, compiled by Captain Frederick Phisterer.

Quarto, [x], 532pp. Blue cloth, title stamped in gilt on spine, seal of New York on front cover. Tissue repairs to preface, front hinge reinforced with archival repairs. Occasional points of wear throughout, text block solid. Includes hundreds of charts and tables, detailing the involvement of New York troops in the Civil War. This copy is signed by the author on the title page, and inscribed to Major George Hooker Treadwell, U.S.V., a prominent citizen of Albany, New York.

A second edition of this work appeared the same year as the first. The third edition was expanded into a six-volume set in 1912. (Nevins II, 160) Captain Frederick Phisterer (1836-1909) was a German-born American soldier who served with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Stones River in 1862. After the war, he played a key role in organizing New York State’s military records and authored several works on military history.

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.

Eisenhower and Berlin, 1945

First edition of Eisenhower and Berlin, 1945: The Decision to Halt at the Elbe by Stephen Ambrose.

Small octavo, 119pp. Red cloth, title stamped in gilt on spine. Stated first edition with full number line on copyright page. From The Norton Essays in American History collection. In publisher’s near fine dust jacket, $4.00 on front flap, small chip at corner of spine, otherwise a fine example.

One of the earliest works by noted historian Stephen E. Ambrose. In 1964, Ambrose was hired by Johns Hopkins to organize and publish the papers of Dwight D. Eisenhower. While doing so, he wrote an article in critical response to The Last Battle by Cornelius Ryan, defending Eisenhower. This article was expanded in 1967 into this book, one of the earliest by the famed historian. He would go on to write the influential D-Day June 6, 1944: The Climatic Battle of World War II, Citizen Soldiers, Undaunted Courage and Band of Brothers.

Khrushev: A Career

Khrushev: A Career by Edward Crankshaw, signed by the son of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushev, Sergei Khrushev. Octavo, 31pp. Black cloth, title printed in green and gold on spine. In a near fine book club edition dust jacket. Signed on the front free endpaper by Sergei Khrushev and dated 4/28/94.

Comments: Sergei Khrushev is a retired Russian engineer and author. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1999. He authored Khrushchev on Khrushchev ? An Inside Account of the Man and His Era, by His Son, Sergei Khrushchev and numerous other books on his father.