47 “The Only Thing We Have To Fear Is Fear Itself” First edition, advance issue, one of an unknown but very small number of large-paper, large-type copies “probably released the day before the inauguration” (Halter T544) signed at the close of the text by Roosevelt. The 51-year-old Roosevelt assumed the leadership of a desperate nation with this electrifying speech, an eloquent and unequivocal declaration of his determination to lead the country out of its suffering. While extolling the balances provided in the Constitution, he insisted that, should these delay action to meet the current situation, he would “ask the Congress for the one remaining instrument to meet the crisis—broad Executive power to wage a war against the emergency.” Current generations may find these words frighteningly undemocratic, and there was no shortage of contemporary voices condemning them, but Roosevelt faced an unprecedented crisis. The Great Depression had crippled the country. Roosevelt met citizens’ fears for the future with a resolve that slowly set a foundering country back to work again. Halter speculates that these large-paper copies were meant as reading copies for Roosevelt, who, at the last minute, chose to read from an emended typescript. All subsequent editions incorporate that final text. A few faint creases. An excellent copy. Rare and important. 72ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Inaugural Address of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Delivered at the Capitol in Washington, DC, March 4, 1933. Washington, 1933. Octavo, original printed wrappers, custom chemise, slipcase. $55,000
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