CHRISTMAS BLOSSOMS FOR 1848 AND 1851, ILLUSTRATED WITH 12 SARTAIN MEZZOTINTS, BOTH INSCRIBED BY AND FROM THE LIBRARY OF FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, ONE DATED DURING HIS PRESIDENCY
(ROOSEVELT, Franklin D.). Christmas Blossoms, and New Year's Wreath, for 1848. WITH: Christmas Blossoms, and New Year's Wreath, for MDCCCLI. Boston and Philadelphia: Phillips & Sampson and E.H. Butler, 1848, 1851. Two volumes. 12mo, original cloth gilt, all edges gilt. Housed in custom chemise and slipcase.
From the library of Franklin D. Roosevelt: the 1848 and 1851 editions of the "Christmas Blossoms" gift books for children, illustrated with mezzotint plates by John Sartain, with the ownership inscriptions of President and bona fide bibliophile Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hyde Park, 1930" (in the first volume), "Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hyde Park, 1936" (in the second).
These anthologies—two from an 1847-54 series of annual children's gift books—feature the character of Uncle Thomas, a Santa-like figure whose Christmas visits bring, not physical presents, but the gifts of story and verse (complete with parent-pleasing moral applications). Each volume illustrated with six mezzotints (engraved frontispiece, additional engraved title page and four illustrations) by John Sartain. "The purposeful and extensive exploitation of mezzotint came in the days of John Sartain… Of strongly artistic temperament, versatile and adaptative, and at the same time evidently possessed of decided business instincts, he was quick to see the advantages of mezzotint… Portraiture was called for, mostly, and plates to grace the 'keepsakes' and like annuals… A certain individual note predominates in his plate… a swing and freedom and lightness of touch" (Weitenkampf, 113-14). Both volumes belonged to and are inscribed by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The 1848 volume bears an additional note, apparently in his hand, "Rare—Sartain Plates." 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. Gift inscription dated 1848 in that volume. Old pencil prices, old dealer's description in 1851 volume.
Scattered light foxing and offsetting. 1848 volume with expert restoration to cloth. Both spines slightly rubbed, cover gilt bright. A delightful pair of volumes, with desirable and distinguished presidential provenance.