Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1942. First edition. Signed by President Roosevelt on front free endpaper ("Franklin D. Roosevelt"), and additionally inscribed by the author, Margaret L. Suckley, on half-title ("by Margaret L. Suckley Rhinebeck 1942 N.Y."). 4to. With in-text illustrations by E.N. Fairchild as well as photographic reproductions. Publisher's pictorial cloth, cocked, rubbing to extremities, spotting in upper front board; pictorial endpapers; scattered light spotting to text; old residue from now removed paperclip on rear free endpaper; in original unclipped pictorial dust-jacket, wear and tears along edges, losses at spine ends.

Lot includes an autograph letter, signed by Littleton Hambley, brother-in-law to Suckley, laid in, and regarding this very book, dated Washington, D.C., December 17, 1942: "As you see the 'True Story of Fala' has been autographed by both the author and the President. This little dog is the one my sister-in-law, Margaret Suckley, gave to the President. My 'Rollie' had the task and privilege of training him as a wee pup. The illustrations were done by Elizabeth Fairchild a friend of our family. Be sure that the boys take good care of it as the autograph is really quite valuable. We hope you all enjoy a pleasant Xmas in spite of these wretched war conditions..."

Very rare signed first edition of this charming illustrated biography of President Roosevelt's beloved Scottish Terrier, Fala, additionally inscribed by the book's author, and Roosevelt's sixth cousin, close friend, and confidante, Margaret L. Suckley. Suckley gifted the four-month old Scottish Terrier to Roosevelt in August 1940 as an early Christmas present, whom Roosevelt named "Murray, the Outlaw of Falahill", after a Scottish ancestor. Nicknamed "Fala", the dog quickly became the President's close companion, and often traveled with him to diplomatic and military conferences, political meetings, and other important events. In the process Fala became a media sensation, and the subject of news reports, newsreels, fan letters from the public, as well as the subject of books like the above.

Very rare when signed or inscribed by the President. According to Books, Manuscripts, & Letters by Franklin Delano Roosevelt...From the Collection of Donald S. Carmichael (New York, 1996), "Neither Mr. Carmichael nor we have ever seen another copy with a Presidential inscription." Rare to market, according to RBH, only one copy has appeared at auction, and that was unsigned.