Inscribed by Allen: To Leon Henderson an old comrade on the merry-go-round, who has always ridden it with courage and honor with warmest esteem Bob Allen.
Household Names: Washington Writers and Their Friends
Howard W. Gunlocke Rare Book and Special Collections Room
September 1, 1998
December 31, 1998
The national fascination with what goes on in Washington is of long standing and shows no sign of going out of fashion. No longer a sleepy Southern town, the District of Columbia and its surrounding suburbs of necessity entertain and beguile a transient community of politicians, consultants, diplomats, journalists, and hangers-on. These newcomers arrive not quite sure of what to expect; they thrive for a little or for longer as their ambition and skills may decide; and they retire, honored or not, into the background against which new stars will, in their turn, seek to shine.
And in retirement, as often as not, they turn to writing their memoirs. Harry Truman, the first of a number of long-lived ex-presidents, more or less established a new tradition of presidential memoirs, and sales of his volumes were such that publishers have little trouble in attracting new authors once they are safely out of office. And lesser Washington lights, too, even without the prospect of huge advances, eagerly offer up for the benefit of all what insights their careers have brought them. Wordsworthians all, they express in a selection of language really used by men those thoughts and ideas that take their origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.
But Washington is an issues town, too, and the tide of literary creation does not always wait for retirement. The Cold War, and especially the confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union, proved fertile indeed for the creation of books by those in a position to know. Nor were domestic social issues unproductive, as the record fully shows. Nor indeed was any issue on which might be centered the ebb and flow of the political process, for the national desire to know more fully the truth of one's own assumptions or the folly of the other fellow's operates quite independently of substantive basis. Whatever the result in the political arena, these special pleaders, like Shelley, seek to be the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
There is more to literary Washington, of course, than memoirs and issue books; but these are the meat and potatoes of the local literary cuisine, and it is on these that this exhibit focusses. A stray flower of poetry has been included, as have been some minor presidential writings, regardless of subject, largely for the fact that these have been significantly inscribed by their authors. And from these, and the other inscriptions recorded in the catalog, we learn something about the relative density of the local literary community.
The recipients of 70 of the 78 books in the exhibit can be identified. Of these, 20 qualify as "Washington insiders," and they were given 34 of the titles by their proud authors. Another 29 recipients, not nearly so well connected, were given 36 titles; and, admittedly, some few of these were people with Georgetown connections, and one was this library itself. But these are quibbles. The list of recipients is almost as impressive as the list of authors, including such notables as Francis Biddle, Arthur Burns, Champ Clark, William Colby, Daniel Ellsberg, and Harry Hopkins, not to mention media folk like Bill Downs and Neil MacNeil.
No apology need be made for a list of authors that includes nine presidents: Carter, Coolidge, Eisenhower, Ford, Hoover, Kennedy, both Roosevelts, and Truman, as well as three first ladies: Lady Bird Johnson, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Edith Bolling Wilson. Then too, not all of the books were presented by their authors, or solely by their authors, and the list of those who have added their inscriptions to titles written wholly or in large measure by others includes such worthies (besides Eisenhower) as Dean Acheson, Spiro T. Agnew, J. Edgar Hoover, Nelson Rockefeller, and Harry Truman.
The books in this exhibit have, with only a very few exceptions, come to the library since 1970 as gifts, and Georgetown owes a debt of gratitude to all those whose generosity has made the exhibit possible. The careful viewer will find much to delight and to instruct, and hopefully, as Don Whitehead said of Bill and Roz Downs, to provide a solid guarantee against boredom, bombast and bad bourbon.
The Truman merry-go-round
Allen, Robert S. (Robert Sharon), b. 1900
New York: The Vanguard Press, Inc.
[c1950]
Justice Holmes, natural law, and the Supreme Court : The Oliver Wendell Holmes devise lectures, 1960
Biddle, Francis, 1886-1968
New York: The Macmillan Company
1961
Inscribed by the author: For Siegfried Garbuny with my regards and best wishes - Francis Biddle October, 1961.
The Herblock book : text and cartoons
Block, Herbert, 1909-2001
Boston: The Beacon Press
[c1952]
Signed by the author: Herb Block.
Herblock's here and now
Block, Herbert, 1909-2001
New York: Simon and Schuster
1955
Signed by the author: Herb Block.
The Olivia letters : being some history of Washington city for forty years as told by the letters of a newspaper correspondent
Briggs, Emily Edson, 1831-1910
New York and Washington: The Neale Publishing Company
1906
Inscribed by the author: Presented to Judge Alexander Mullvery [?] by Olivia. Washington June 6, 1907.
Seven pillars of the Republic
Bruce, David Kirkpatrick Este
Privately printed
1936
Inscribed by the author: For Don Shepard with kind regards from David.
The first battle : a story of the campaign of 1896 by ... together with a collection of his speeches and a biographical sketch by his wife
Bryan, William Jennings, 1860-1925
Chicago: W. B. Conkey Company
[c1896]
Inserted presentation leaf completed by the principal author: [Presented to] Hon. Champ Clark of Missouri [By] W. J. Bryan with his compliments [date here] May 21--97.
The memoirs of William Jennings Bryan by himself and his wife Mary Baird Bryan, illustrated
Bryan, William Jennings, 1860-1925
Philadelphia, Chicago, Toronto: The John C. Winston Company
c1925
First edition, copy no. 65. Inscribed by the author: To Hugh & Grace van Wagenen with best wishes of Wm. Jennings Bryan Dec 25th 1925. With a photograph of the Bryans and two of their bookplates laid in.
The best of Wm. F. Buckley Jr. Quotations from Chairman Bill, compiled by David Franke
Buckley, William F. (William Frank), 1925-2008
New Rochelle, N.Y.: Arlington House
c1970
Inscribed by the author on a pasted-in slip: To Miss N[atalie] Lincoln Gratefully Wm F Buckley.
The pattern of responsibility, edited by... from the record of Secretary of State Dean Acheson, introduction by Douglas Southall Freeman
Bundy, McGeorge
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company
1952
Inscribed by Acheson: To His Excellency Baron Silvercruys whose generous friendship has brought happiness over many years to Dean Acheson January 1952.
All in one lifetime
Byrnes, James F. (James Francis), 1882-1972
New York: Harper & Brothers
c1958
Inscribed by the author (at the request of the recipient's son, John): To Earle Mayfield with birthday greetings from James F. Byrnes April 12, 1959.
The blood of Abraham
Carter, Jimmy, 1924-
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company
1985
Signed by the author: J. Carter.
Odyssey of a friend : Whittaker Chambers
Chambers, Whittaker
Privately Printed [National Review, Inc.]
c1969
Letters to William F. Buckley, Jr. 1954-1961. Edited With Notes by William F. Buckley, Jr. Foreword by Ralph Toledano.
Inscribed by the editor on pasted-in slip: To N[atalie] Lincoln Gratefully Wm F Buckley.
A changing America : conservatives view the 80s from the United States Senate
Senator Pete Domenici
South Bend, Indiana: Regnery/Gateway, Inc.
c1980
By Senator Pete Domenici [et al.] edited by Senator Paul Laxalt and Richard S. Williamson.
Inscribed by Domenici: To My Dear Friend Arthur Burns From Pete V Domenici.
Have faith in Massachusetts : a collection of speeches and messages second edition enlarged
Coolidge, Calvin, 1872-1933
Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company
c1919
Inscribed by the author: To George H. O'Connor With regards Calvin Coolidge June 1920.
The killing of the peace
Cranston, Alan MacGregor
New York: The Viking Press
1945
Inscribed by the author: For Denys P. Myer, with thanks for his great help in the writing of this book, and with highest regard for his relentless fight for an enduring peace. Alan Cranston.
Cry of the oppressed : the history and hope of the human rights revolution
Drinan, Robert F., S.J.
San Francisco: Harper & Row, Publishers
1987
Inscribed by the author: To Joe [Jeffs] with admiration & gratitude Bob Drinan SJ February 1988. With an autograph letter dated February 2, 1988, laid in.
The craft of intelligence
Dulles, Allen Welsh, 1893-1969
New York, Evanston and London: Harper & Row, Publishers
c1963
Inscribed by the author: To Otto Guthe, as a reminder of our work together, over many years. With the author's regards. Allen W. Dulles Jan 18, 1964.
The secret surrender
Dulles, Allen Welsh, 1893-1969
New York, Evanston and London: Harper & Row, Publishers
c1966
Inscribed by the author: To Otto Guthe, as a reminder of our years of work to-gether, with the esteem of the author. Allen W. Dulles 6 Oct. 1966.
The company : a novel
Ehrlichman, John
New York: Simon and Schuster
c1976
Inscribed by the author: For John Osborne, with sincere respect and admiration for your skill and integrity -- then and now -- John Ehrlichman.
Report by the Supreme Commander to the Combined Chiefs of Staff on the operations in Europe of the Allied Expeditionary Force 6 June 1944 to 8 May 1945
Eisenhower, Dwight D. (Dwight David), 1890-1969
Washington: Government Printing Office
1946
Inscribed by the "author": To The Baron Silvercruys -- Ambassador of Belgium -- with admiration and esteem and with deep affection for his gallant country. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Jim Farley's story : the Roosevelt years
Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976
New York, Toronto: Whittlesey House, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc.
c1948
Inscribed by the author: To Ann Batchelder with every good wish, James A. Farley.
Portrait of the assassin
Ford, Gerald R., 1913-2006
New York: Simon and Schuster
c1965
Inscribed by Ford [for Robert K. Walsh]: Warmest personal regards. Gerald R. Ford.
A time to heal : the autobiography
Ford, Gerald R., 1913-2006
Harper & Row, Publishers and The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
c1979
Inscribed by the author: To Father Healy, with admiration and with appreciation for your many kindnesses. Best regards. Gerald R. Ford.
The practice of diplomacy : as illustrated in the foreign relations of the United States
Foster, John W., 1942-
Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company
1906
Inscribed by the author: Hon. James B. Scott With the compliments of John W. Foster. Nov. 9 - 06.
Turbulent era : a diplomatic record of forty years 1904-1945 edited by Walter Johnson assisted by Nancy Harvison Hooker
Grew, Joseph C. (Joseph Clark), 1880-1965
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company
1952
Two volumes.
Inscribed (in volume 1) by the author: To Ambassador Baron Silvercruys with cordial regards from his old friend and colleague Joseph C. Grew 1952.
America and Russia in a changing world : a half century of personal observation introduction by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
Harriman, W. Averell (William Averell), 1891-1986
Garden City: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
1971
Inscribed by the author: For Olivia Tesone an oldtime & good Democrat with all best wishes Averell Harriman Feb 18.71.
Peace with Russia?
Harriman, W. Averell (William Averell), 1891-1986
New York: Simon and Schuster
1959
Inscribed by the author: To Fred. Reinhardt. A wise Muscovite and warm friend Averell Harriman Rome July 1965.
Mr. President : the first publication from the personal diaries, private letters, papers and revealing interviews of Harry S. Truman pictures by Alfred Wagg
Hillman, William, 1895-
New York: Farrar, Straus and Young
c1952
Inscribed by the author: To Paul Pearlman with best wishes William Hillman and by Truman: Kindest regards to Paul Pearlman Harry S. Truman.
America's first crusade
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
New York: Charles Scribner's Sons
1942
Inscribed by the author: To my good friend, Father Edmund A. Walsh from Herbert Hoover and A Happy New Year (anyway).
The challenge to liberty
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
New York, London: Charles Scribner's Sons
1934
Inscribed by the author: To Hon. L. S. Rowe With the Kind Regards of Herbert Hoover.
On growing up : letters to American boys & girls including "the uncommon man" and other selections edited by William Nichols
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
New York: William Morrow & Company
1962
Inscribed by the author: To Neil MacNeil and family the affections of Herbert Hoover.
The problems of lasting peace
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
Garden City: Doubleday, Doran and Company, Inc.
1942
Inscribed by Hoover: To Father Edmund A. Walsh With the Kind Regards of Herbert Hoover [and by Gibson] & Hugh Gibson.
The autobiography of a curmudgeon
Ickes, Harold L. (Harold LeClair), 1874-1952
New York: Reynal & Hitchcock
c1943
Inscribed by the author: To my friend and colleague, Francis Biddle, who never could be a curmudgeon but who might be able to understand one. Harold L. Ickes Sept. 1, 1943.
The struggle for judicial supremacy : a study of a crisis in American power politics
Jackson, Robert Houghwout, 1892-1954
New York: Alfred A. Knopf
1941
Inscribed by the author: For Francis Biddle with the friendship and esteem of Bob Jackson.
A White House diary
Johnson, Lady Bird, 1912-2007
New York, Chicago, San Francisco: Holt, Rinehart and Winston
c1970
Inscribed by the author: To Valerie Earle -- With best wishes Lady Bird Johnson.
A twentieth-century Congress
Kefauver, Estes, 1903-1963
New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce
c1947
Inscribed by Kefauver: For Francis Biddle one of our greatest Americans and always an inspiration to - Estes Kefauver May 1947.
Decisions for a decade policies and programs for the 1970s
Kennedy, Edward Moore, 1932-
Garden City: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
1968
Inscribed by the author: To Mr & Mrs Hugh Auchincloss who have been friends in the past and I know will be in the future. Ted Kennedy December 1968.
Profiles in courage
Kennedy, John F., 1942-
New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers
c1956
Signed by the author and inscribed by Jacqueline Kennedy: For Father Wilson with my deepest gratitude for all your comfort and kindness Jacqueline Kennedy.
Profiles in courage
Kennedy, John F., 1942-
New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers
c1961
Signed by the author and inscribed by Jacqueline Kennedy: For Father McSorley with the deepest appreciation Jacqueline Kennedy June 1964.
Strength to love
King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968
New York, Evanston, and London: Harper & Row, Publishers
c1963
Inscribed by the author: To. Miss Lisa Sergio With Best Wishes Martin Luther King Jr. 6/16/63.
The new presidential elite : men and women in national politics with the assistance of Warren E. Miller, Elizabeth Douvan, William Crotty, Teresa Levitin, Maureen Fiedler
Kirkpatrick, Jeane J.
New York: Russell Sage Foundation and The Twentieth Century Fund
c1976
Inscribed by the author: December 28, 1976 for Valerie and Chester [Earle], solidarity forever, Jeane.
White House years
Kissinger, Henry, 1923-
Boston, Toronto: Little, Brown and Company
c1979
Inscribed (with recipient's name misspelled) by the author: To Father Healey Who has contributed the environment which made this book possible. With high regard Henry A. Kissinger.
On the democratic idea in America
Kristol, Irving
New York, Evanston, San Francisco, London: Harper & Row, Publishers
c1972
Inscribed: To Arthur Burns, who will be stimulated, in my judgment, by these writings With admiration & respect Spiro T. Agnew.
The White House in picture and story
Leeming, Joseph, 1897-1968
New York: George W. Stewart, Publisher, Inc.
c1953
Inscribed by the author: For Dr. Ira W. Pearlman With all best wishes, Joseph Leeming.
The Cold War : a study in U. S. foreign policy
Lippmann, Walter, 1889-1974
New York, London: Harper & Brothers Publishers
c1947
Inscribed (misspelling recipient's first name) by the author: To Allan G. Kirk from his friend, Walt Lippmann Nov. 11, 1947.
The communist world and ours
Lippmann, Walter, 1889-1974
Boston, Toronto: Little, Brown and Company
c1959
Inscribed by the author: To Katherine [?] & David Wainhouse from their affectionate friends Helen and Walt Lippmann July 1959.
The storm has many eyes : a personal narrative
Lodge, Henry Cabot, 1902-1985
New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.
c1973
Inscribed by the author: George O'Connor best wishes H. C. Lodge [dated in another hand] 4/4/73.
The official picture history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation : the Story of the FBI with an introduction by J. Edgar Hoover
New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc.
1947
Look, the editors of.
Inscribed by Hoover: To Ira W. Pearlman Best wishes from J. Edgar Hoover 4.16.47.
With or without roses
Louchheim, Katie, 1903-
Garden City: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
1966
Inscribed by the author: For Helen Burns who knows that: "heaven has no fixed address" pg 24 With warm good wishes Katie Louchheim June 19/73.
White House physician : in collaboration with George Creel
McIntire, Ross T., 1889-1959
New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons
c1946
Inscribed by the author: For Dr. Ira Pearlman with kind regards Ross McIntire Surgeon General USN Washington D. C. November 18, 1946.
Perspectives on poverty I : on understanding poverty perspectives from the social sciences with the assistance of Corinne Saposs Schelling
Moynihan, Daniel P. (Daniel Patrick), 1927-2003
New York, London: Basic Books, Inc., Publishers
c1969
Inscribed by the editor: To Arthur Burns Who understands! D M June [?] 1969.
Presidential power : the politics of leadership
Neustadt, Richard E.
New York: Science Editions, Inc.
1962
Inscribed by the author: For Dan Ellsberg With warm appreciation for his good opinion of this book! Dick Neustadt New York May 8,1963.
Man of the House : the life and political memoirs of ... with William Novak
O'Neill, Thomas P.
New York: Random House
c1987
Inscribed by the author: Doctor Jon J. O'Brien -- The O'Neills think you are great. Many Thanks -- Best Wishes, Tip O'Neill Speaker.
Honorable treachery : a history of U. S. intelligence, espionage, and covert action from the American Revolution to the CIA
O'Toole, G. J. A. (George J. A.), 1936-
New York: The Atlantic Monthly Press
c1991
Inscribed by the author: To William Colby Best wishes, George O'Toole.
U.S.A. : second-class power
Pearson, Drew, 1897-1969
New York: Simon and Schuster
1958
Inscribed by Pearson: To Robert C. Byrd Who brings new life to the Senate from West Virginia Drew Pearson [and Anderson] Jack Anderson.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Perkins, Frances, 1880-1965
Zurich: F. G. Micha-Verlag
c1947
Inscribed by the author: For Eric Menke June 20--1955 Washington DC. Frances Perkins.
Prospect for America : the Rockefeller Panel reports
Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
1961
In a special presentation binding. Inscribed [in Laurance Rockefeller's hand]: To Arthur Burns -- With much appreciation for all your help and wise counsel Laurance S. Rockefeller [and by] Nelson A. Rockefeller.
The autobiography
Roosevelt, Eleanor, 1884-1962
New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers
c1961
Inscribed by the author: To Lisa Sergio with admiration & good wishes Eleanor Roosevelt. With a typed letter dated January 9, 1962, laid in.
This I remember ... illustrated
Roosevelt, Eleanor, 1884-1962
New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers
c1949
First edition, limited issue, copy no. 640. Signed by the author: Eleanor Roosevelt.
This I remember ... illustrated
Roosevelt, Eleanor, 1884-1962
New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers
c1949
Inscribed by the author: Inscribed for Mrs. Earle B. Mayfield with the good wishes of Eleanor Roosevelt.
The public papers and addresses ... with a special introduction and explanatory notes ... volume one : the genesis of the New Deal 1928-1932
Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945
New York: Random House
1938
Inscribed by the author: For Harry Hopkins with my affectionate regards Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Address of ... on the occasion of the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln Hodgenville, Ky. February 12, 1909
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1887-1944
Washington: Government Printing Office
1909
Inscribed by the author: with the regards of Theodore Roosevelt Feb 19th 1909.
A danger of democracy : the presidential nominating process
Sanford, Terry, 1917-1998
Boulder: Westview Press
1981
Inscribed by the author: To Ed Cady With appreciation for your many contributions to the Duke community -- Terry Sanford August 20, 1981.
In one ear : 107 snapshots of men and events which make a far-reaching panorama of the American situation at midcentury
Sevareid, Eric, 1912-1992
New York: Alfred A. Knopf
1952
Inscribed by the author: Okay-- you asked for it-- Love-- Eric.
Roosevelt and Hopkins : an intimate history ... illustrated
Sherwood, Robert E. (Robert Emmet), 1896-1955
New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers
c1948
Inscribed by the author: for Baron Silvercruys, with warm regards, Robert Sherwood January 1949 (This is sent at the suggestion of our friend, Oscar Cox.).
To set the record straight : the break-in, the tapes, the conspirators, the pardon
Sirica, John J.
New York, London: W. W. Norton & Company
c1979
Inscribed by the author: For my valued friend Father Brian McGrath with my admiration, respect and best wishes for a happy birthday. I hope you enjoy reading my book. John J. Sirica.
The terrors of justice : the untold side of Watergate
Stans, Maurice H., 1908-1998
New York: Everest House Publishers
c1978
Inscribed by the author: To Arthur [Burns] with best wishes Maury.
Lend-Lease : weapon for victory
Stettinius, Edward R., Jr.
New York: The Macmillan Company
1944
Inscribed by the author: For, Ralph In memory of our happy association Ed.
Call to greatness
Stevenson, Adlai E. (Adlai Ewing), 1900-1965
New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers
c1954
Inscribed by the author: For James P. Murphy -- Adlai E. Stevenson 1954.
Major campaign speeches ... 1952 : with an introduction by the author
Stevenson, Adlai E. (Adlai Ewing), 1900-1965
New York: Random House
c1953
Inscribed by the author: To James P. J. Murphy -- with best wishes -- Adlai E. Stevenson 1954.
Memoirs ... volume one : year of decisions
Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972
Garden City: Doubleday & Company
1955
Inscribed by the author: To William M. Franklin kindest regards from Harry S. Truman 5/10/61.
Memoirs ... volume two : years of trial and hope
Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972
Garden City: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
1956
Inscribed by the author: Best wishes to Harry L. Hopkins II from Harry S. Truman 12/18/56.
The time for decision
Welles, Sumner, 1892-1961
New York and London: Harper & Brothers Publishers
c1944
Inscribed by the author: For Robert Silvercruys With my most friendly remembrances and with my highest regard - Sumner Welles October 17, 1944--. With typed letter dated October 18, 1944, laid in.
The FBI story : a report to the people ... foreword by J. Edgar Hoover
Whitehead, Don, 1908-
New York: Random House
c1956
Inscribed by the author: To Bill and Roz Downs -- Two good friends whose company always is a solid guarantee against boredom, bombast and bad bourbon --- With Affection - Don Whitehead.
The pursuit of happiness and other sobering thoughts
Will, George F.
New York, Hagerstown, San Francisco, London: Harper & Row, Publishers
c1978
Inscribed by the author: For Lauinger Library G. F. Will May 28, 1978.
My memoir
Wilson, Edith Bolling Galt, 1872-1961
Indianapolis, New York: The Bobbs-Merrill Company Publishers
c1939
Limited edition, no. 32. Signed by the author: Edith Bolling Wilson. Card for requesting special presentation inscription laid in.
You and your congressman
Wright, Jim
New York: Coward-McCann, Inc.
c1965
Inscribed by the author: For my respected friend and valued colleague, Bill Murphy, with personal regards and very best wishes -- Jim Wright 1-20-66.
