SCARCE VOLUME FROM THE LIBRARY OF FDR, SIGNED BY HIM

(ROOSEVELT, Franklin D.) WATERMAN, Catherine H., editor. Religious Offering 1840. Philadelphia: W. Marshall, (1840). Small octavo, original elaborately embossed black morocco, all edges gilt. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. $5500.

First edition of this religious gift book for 1840, illustrated with engraved frontispiece, vignette title page, and eight engraved plates. This copy from the personal library of Franklin D. Roosevelt, signed by him "Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hyde Park 1920."

This is Roosevelt's personal copy of a 19th century illustrated religious gift book. Roosevelt was an ardent bibliophile. He was a member of such book collectors' organizations as the Club of Odd Volumes and the Grolier Club. At his death, his personal library numbered more than 21,000 volumes. Roosevelt willed a small portion of his personal book collection to his children who sold their bequest; the vast majority of FDR's personal library and papers remain intact in the FDR library. Books from the personal libraries of presidents are scarce and desirable and volumes from the libraries of 20th century presidents' personal libraries are extremely scarce as all such volumes are typically given to their presidential libraries.

Interior generally clean; joints and extremities of original binding expertly restored. A very good copy, with distinguished and rare Presidential provenance.