ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. (1882–1945). The Public Papers and Addresses of Franklin D. Roosevelt. New York: Random House, 1938; New York: Macmillan, 1941.

Double-signed first deluxe edition set of FDR’s public papers, including publisher’s presentation copy to Roosevelt. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s public papers and addresses were published by three publishing houses over 12 years. The first five volumes were published by Random House and cover his time as Governor of New York and the first years of his presidency, 1928 to 1936. The next four were published by Macmillan and cover 1937 to 1940. A third set (not present here) was published by Harper & Brothers and covers the final years of his presidency. The present copy of the Macmillan volumes were presented by the publishing house to Roosevelt ahead of their publication in 1941; Roosevelt inscribed the first volume: “Franklin D. Roosevelt | The White House | 1941 | Sent me by the Macmillan Company | before publication.” The Random House set is also signed (“Franklin D. Roosevelt”) in the first volume.

Nine volumes, octavo (242 × 160mm). Photographic frontispiece plate in each volume. Blue roan, Roosevelt’s signature stamped in gold on covers, spines lettered in gold (joints rubbed, some loss to spines heads and tails, occasional scratches and stains, vol. 4 upper hinge cracked, dust-soiling on edges); custom grey half morocco boxes and chemises by Asprey & Garrard. Provenance: Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States (inscription in 1937 vol.) – Donald Scott Carmichael (bookplate on 1937 vol. slipcase).