Presidents and World Leaders

King Edward VIII

House of Lords Doc. 20, Minutes of Proceedings, December 10, 1936, Printing Edward VIII’s “Instrument of Abdication” in which he officially renounces claim to the Throne.

1936.

Rare extract from the printed Minutes and a singular moment in British royal history. “Abdication of Edward R. I.” in blue pencil at top right. Framed such that both sides of the document can be read, visible portion of the unfolded sheet measures 16 x 12.5 inches; frame measures 22.5 inches by 20 inches. InContinue reading "House of Lords Doc. 20, Minutes of Proceedings, December 10, 1936, Printing Edward VIII’s “Instrument of Abdication” in which he officially renounces claim to the Throne."

Victoria, Queen

Queen Victoria Appointment Signed.

1842.

Rare signed signed by Queen Victoria on vellum, signed “Victoria R,” one page, 13 x 9, November 1, 1842. Queen Victoria appoints Archibald Richard Harene “to be Ensign in Our Ninety Seventh Regiment of Foot.” Signed at the head by Queen Victoria. The affixed paper seal and blue ribbon are present. In very good condition. Double matted and framed, the documentContinue reading "Queen Victoria Appointment Signed."

Carter, Jimmy

Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President.

New York : Bantam Books, 1982.

First edition of the 39th President of the United States’ memoirs. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Association copy, inscribed by President Carter to former four-term United States Senator Lloyd M. Bentsen on a Presidential bookplate affixed to the front free endpaper, “To Lloyd Bentsen J. Carter.” The recipient, Lloyd Millard Bentsen, ran as the Democratic PartyContinue reading "Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President."

Kennedy, John F

John F. Kennedy Inauguration Invitations and Programs.

1961.

Rare collection of original materials from events held upon the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. The collection includes a menu from the Inauguration Luncheon held on January 20th 1961 at the United States Senate Restaurant, invitations to Inaugural Ball an Inaugural Gala held at the National Guard Armory, a response card to the Gala,Continue reading "John F. Kennedy Inauguration Invitations and Programs."

Mooney, Booth. With a foreword by Lyndon B. Johnson

The Lyndon Johnson Story.

New York : Farrar, Straus and Cudahy, 1956.

First edition of Booth Mooney’s biography of Lyndon B. Johnson. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated with photographs. Presentation copy, inscribed by Lyndon B. Johnson on the front free endpaper, “For Murray Milner, outstanding public servant, from his friend, Lyndon B. Johnson.”  Near fine in very good dust jacket.

McCullough, David

Truman.

New York : Simon & Schuster, 1992.

Early printing of the historian’s first Pulitzer Prize-winning work. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the title page to fellow writer Robertson Davies, “To Robertson Davies with warm regards from one of your devoted fans David McCullough (by way of David Ken, who started me on the path withContinue reading "Truman."

Reagan, Ronald and George H. W. Bush

Ronald Reagan and George Bush Inaugural Gift Collection.

1981.

Fine collection of official gifts from the inauguration of Ronald Reagan as President and George H. W. Bush as Vice President of the United States. The collection includes a sterling silver money clip and pill box embossed with the Reagan Bush inaugural logo and a fountain pen from the inaugural reception of George H. W.Continue reading "Ronald Reagan and George Bush Inaugural Gift Collection."

Schwab, Charles M

Address Delivered at the Memorial Service Held in Honor of Andrew Carnegie Tuesday, November 25 1919.

Pittsburgh : Carnegie Music Hall, 1919.

First edition of Charles M. Schwab’s Address at the Memorial Service of his mentor Andrew Carnegie. Octavo, original wrappers. Presentation copy, inscribed by Charles M. Schwab on the front free endpaper, “To my friend George Steelman, with sincere regards, C. M. Schwab.” In near fine condition. Rare and desirable signed.

de Bourrienne, Fauvelet. [Napoleon]

Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte.

London : Richard Bentley and Son, 1885.

Exceedingly rare edition of M. de Bourrienne’s Life of Napoleon extra-illustrated with additional portraits and views and over 50 autograph letters and notes signed by Napoleon I,  members of his family, associates, and the author bound in. Octavo, bound in three quarters scarlet morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartmentsContinue reading "Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte."

Martin, Theodore. [Queen Victoria]

The Life of His Royal Highness the Prince Consort. With Portraits and Views.

London : Smith, Elder, & Co, 1875-1880.

Complete set of Martin’s extensive biography of Prince Albert, contracted and edited by Queen Victoria, each volume inscribed by her. Octavo, five volumes, original cloth with gilt titles to the spine, stamped ruling to the panels, tissue-guarded engraved frontispiece to each volume, illustrated with 8 additional tissue-guarded plates of portraits and views; one a foldingContinue reading "The Life of His Royal Highness the Prince Consort. With Portraits and Views."

Kennedy, John F

John F. Kennedy Signed Inaugural Address.

.

Rare Souvenir Edition of Life Magazine’s Inaugural Spectacle commemorating the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. Quarto, original wrappers, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by John F. Kennedy on the front panel, “To Evie Symington with very good wishes John F. Kennedy.” The recipient, Evelyn Symington was the wife of Amherst, Massachusetts-born politician Stuart Symington. SymingtonContinue reading "John F. Kennedy Signed Inaugural Address."

Biden, Joe

Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics.

New York : Random House, 2007.

First edition of “this compelling personal story” (The New York Times). Octavo, original boards, illustrated. Presentation copy, signed by the author on the title page, “Thank you for supporting Delaware Technical Community College Joe Biden 1.16.08.” Fine in a fine dust jacket.

Biden, Joe

Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics.

New York : Random House, 2007.

First edition, early printing of “this compelling personal story” (The New York Times). Octavo, original boards, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page in the year of publication, “To Darlene Dolson With best wishes Joe 8.25.07.” Fine in a fine dust jacket. Jacket design by David Stevenson.

Gazette of the United States. No.XXXVII. Wednesday, August 19, 1789.

New York : John Fenno, Wednesday, August 19, 1789.

Rare original printing of the Gazette of the United States, issued during the presidency of George Washington on August 19, 1789. Folio, one page, folded, this issue includes a the following articles, many continued from previous issues: Extract of a Letter on Weights, The Bow, By Express From Paris, and Sketches of the Proceedings ofContinue reading "Gazette of the United States. No.XXXVII. Wednesday, August 19, 1789."

Gazette of the United States. No. XXXI. Wednesday, July 29, 1789.

New York : John Fenno, July 29, 1789.

Rare original printing of the Gazette of the United States, issued during the presidency of George Washington on July 29, 1789. Folio, one page, folded, this issue includes a the following articles, many continued from previous issues: Sketch of the Political State of America, Original Specimens of Eloquence, Foreign and Domestic Miscellaneous Articles, and SketchesContinue reading "Gazette of the United States. No. XXXI. Wednesday, July 29, 1789."

The Massachusetts Centinel. Wednesday, October 21, 1789.

Boston : Russell, Benjamin, October 21, 1789.

Number II, of Vol. XII of “the most influential and enterprising paper in Massachusetts after the Revolution”, Benjamin Russell’s Massachusetts Centinel, issued on Wednesday, October 21, 1789 (Hudson, 147). Folio, one page, folded. The issue includes front-page articles on recently enacted acts allowing compensation for Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and theContinue reading "The Massachusetts Centinel. Wednesday, October 21, 1789."

Roosevelt, Eleanor and Lorena A. Hickok

Ladies of Courage.

New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1954.

First edition of Roosevelt and Hickok’s tribute to women in America. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by both Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok on the half-title page. Very good in a very good  dust jacket with some wear to the extremities. Uncommon signed.

Thomas, Douglas H. [John Hanson]

John Hanson Genealogical Archive.

c. 1880-1885.

Rare genealogical archive documenting the life and heritage of the first President of the Confederation Congress John Hanson, whose biographers have argued to be the true first President of the United States. The archive is composed primarily of letters, historical records and biographical documents prepared by Hanson’s ancestors, most notably several biographical volumes composed byContinue reading "John Hanson Genealogical Archive."

Biden, Joe

Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics.

New York : Random House, 2007.

First edition of “this compelling personal story” (The New York Times). Octavo, original boards, illustrated. Presentation copy, lengthily inscribed by the author on the title page, “Dear Dave- Thanks for keeping the “Democratic” flag flying high! Keep the faith and I will keep my promises Joe Biden 6.12.08.” Near fine in a near fine dustContinue reading "Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics."

Roosevelt, Theodore; William Howard Taft; John Muir; John Burroughs; Bernard Baruch et al. [Olga Roosevelt]

Theodore Roosevelt Signed and Inscribed Autograph Quotation Book.

c. 1903.

Olga Roosevelt’s autograph book, lengthily inscribed and signed by Theodore Roosevelt as President of the United States, William Howard Taft as Vice President of the United States and several other famous figures of the era, including naturalists John Muir and John Burroughs and financier Bernard Baruch. Octavo, bound in full vellum with hand painted decorationsContinue reading "Theodore Roosevelt Signed and Inscribed Autograph Quotation Book."