Description
Signed book: Looking Forward. First edition, first printing. NY: John Day Company, 1933. Softcover, 5 x 7.5, 279 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, “Dear Fred—This advanced copy was changed to correct inaccuracies etc. And I am glad that the public did not see this original. Affectionately, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Fred B. Adams, Jr., Hyde Park & Rhinebeck, June 24, 1934.” Housed in a custom-made chemise and morocco-backed slipcase. A repaired tear and some wrinkling to front cover, light erased pencil notations at top of signed page, toning to covers and creasing to spine, as well as some scattered edge wear, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by two letters from the White House assistant secretary concerning the publication and a related article.
This review copy of Looking Forward, one of only a few known to be both inscribed by Roosevelt and featuring the uncorrected text, was one of about 150 copies printed for reviewers. Less than a day after printing, White House officials requested that the handful of copies that made it out—most were still safely secured on a truck bound for the post office—be returned so that the FDR’s referenced “inaccuracies” could be corrected. Historians believe that about 10 copies were never recovered, with this example—a gift to FDR’s first cousin once removed—one of the few uncorrected copies known to exist. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Terms and abbreviations used in our descriptions.
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