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Message Of The President Of the United States

“The fortunes amassed through corporate organization are now so large that the might of the “sovereign” must be invoked to restrain them.” (New York Times, 1905)

Signed by President Theodore Roosevelt, his Fifth Annual Message to the Senate and House of Representatives, delivered on December 5, 1905.

Slim octavo, [6], 56pp, [7]. Publisher’s light blue cloth, title stamped in gilt on front cover, ruled in gilt. Top edge gilt, uncut and unopened leaves. Light soiling to cloth covers, solid text block. Housed in custom gray cloth clamshell, title in gilt on black morocco label.

Signed by President Roosevelt on the front free endpaper: “Theodore Roosevelt / Dec 15th, 1905.”

A scarce work, the only recorded example of the 1905 address to be sold on the public market.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Fifth Annual Message (Dec. 5, 1905) advocated for stronger federal regulation of interstate commerce, led by empowering the Interstate Commerce Commission to set maximum railroad rates, end rebates, open railroad accounts to inspection, and improve rail safety. He urged action on labor (employers’ liability inquiries), addressed immigration by discouraging undesirable steamship-driven inflows and encouraging better distribution, and touched on conservation and pensions (including caring for Confederate graves and for the Life-Saving Service). President Roosevelt also reviewed progress on the Panama Canal and called for sustained funding.

In foreign policy, he reaffirmed the Roosevelt Corollary framework in the Western Hemisphere, emphasizing peaceful intentions while maintaining readiness to act to preserve order.

Roosevelt concluded: “In the long run the one vital factor in the permanent prosperity of the country is the high individual character of the average American worker, the average American citizen, no matter whether his work be mental or manual, whether he be farmer or wage-worker, business man or professional man.”

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 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.

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.

Eisenhower and Berlin, 1945 – The Decision to Halt at the Elbe

First edition of Eisenhower and Berlin, 1945: The Decision to Halt at the Elbe by Stephen Ambrose. Illustrated paperback, 119pp. Illustrated boards, light wear along top edge. Stated first edition with full number line on copyright page. From the Norton Essays in American History collection.

Comments: One of the earliest works by noted historian Stephen E. Ambrose. He would go on to write the influential D-Day June 6, 1944: The Climatic Battle of World War II, Citizen Soldier, Undaunted Courage and Band of Brothers.

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).

Midway: The Battle that doomed Japan – The Japanese Navy’s Story

Octavo, xxiv, 266pp. Red cloth, title printed in yellow on spine and cover. Illustrated endpapers with maps of South Pacific naval operations. Stated “fourth printing” on copyright page. Publishers dust jacket, near fine, with $4.50 price on front flap, illustrated on both sides of dust jacket, small nicks along edges, light toning to spine, shelf wear along top edge of front panel. Inscribed on dedication page: “To Mr. + Mrs. Stanley Kresge. Courtesy of Sky Pilots of America.” Additional signature by Japanese flyer, Mitsuo Fuchida, on slip affixed to dedication page.

Comments: Mitsuo Fuchida was a notorious Japanese flying ace, who commanded the air attack against Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. After the war, he converted to Christianity and become a United States citizen.

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.

On Our Way

Publisher’s dummy copy of On Our Way by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Octavo, 11pp, [unpaginated blanks]. Blue cloth, title in gilt on spine, signature of author in gilt on front panel. Copyright page dated 1934, lacking publishers device found in first trade edition. Red top stain. Contains “Chapter VII” of the forthcoming book, with multiple pages of subscription blanks. In publishers “dummy copy” dust jacket, with $2.50 on front flap, light chipping at edges and toning to spine. Dust jacket differs from trade edition with blurb on front flap noting: “The most significant book of the year,” which was later changed to “This book by the President of the United States is required reading for every citizen.” This edition is not listed in Halter. The only known copy with the scarce dust jacket

Provenance: Originally sold by Swann Auctions in 1952 to Mr. Frederick B. Adams Jr, the director of the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York City and respected bibliophile. Includes sales receipt from The Rosenbach Company in 1952 and letter from Jacob Blanck to Mr. Fred Adams with commentary about first edition points.

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.

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.

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.