Four of Roosevelt’s books, three of which are signed and inscribed to Henry Cabot Lodge, the fourth containing a tipped-in letter from Roosevelt to Lodge. The four titles are as follows: [1] The Foes of Our Own Household. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1917. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, "Dear Cabot, Glance at the first three chapters; see p. 38, yours always Theodore Roosevelt." Page 38 lauds the "fine patriotism" of the Congress for voting defense funds for the president's use. [2] The Great Adventure: Present-Day Studies in American Nationalism. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1918, Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, "To H. C. L. from T. R. Dec. 1st 1918." [3] National Strength and International Duty. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1917. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, “H. C. L. from T. R. Dec. 8th 1917." [4] Americanism and Preparedness, Speeches of Theodore Roosevelt, July to November, 1916. New York: The Mail and Express Job Print, 1917. Tipped onto the first free end page is a one-page TLS from Roosevelt to Lodge, dated February 1, 1917, on Metropolitan Magazine stationery: "My dear Cabot: As you and I looked at our duty alike last year, I beg you to accept a copy of the speeches I made during the campaign, with my sincere good wishes. Faithfully yours, T. R." The inside front cover of each book bears a Henry Cabot Lodge personal bookplate, and all four volumes are housed together in a custom-made clamshell case. In very good overall condition, with varying degrees of toning to signed pages (uneven mottled toning the National Strength book’s signed page), and scattered light wear, soiling, and rubbing to covers.
The U.S. was embroiled at the time in World War I, and Roosevelt was engaged in giving speeches on Americanism as well as the Great War. As a former president, TR still held tremendous weight on public opinion, and his speeches on Americanism no doubt encouraged immigrants in their newly adopted homeland to take up arms during the start of World War I. Of course Lodge, Roosevelt’s friend and political ally, shared this view and was angered by the neutrality expressed by President Woodrow Wilson. To that end, Roosevelt here not only graciously sent these gifts to his friend but also pointed out specific passages, such as “the first three chapters…(page) 38” of The Foes of Our Own Household and a note to Lodge to reflect on their mutual “duty.” A desirable quartet of books with significant association between two historic U.S. figures. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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