BOSTON – Dr. Lawrence E. Miller, an orthopedic surgeon and psychiatrist for more than 60 years, began collecting autographs in 1960 by writing to “the people that changed the world.” In his quest for confirmation of political perspectives and historical relevance, Dr. Miller sought out and personally met many U.S. presidents, foreign heads of state, and other famous dignitaries who gladly signed his books. View the fully illustrated catalog on LiveAuctioneers.
As his collection grew over the decades, he shared his longtime passion for reading and studying history with his family and friends. Dr. Miller routinely spoke to his four children and 11 grandchildren of the rich history and majesty of America as a way to ensure the passage of a legacy that highlighted his thirst for learning.
This specially curated sale features more than 500 lots from Dr. Miller’s collection, highlighted by books signed by presidents including a George Washington signed copy of The Gleaner (above).
Highlights include:
– The extraordinary signed book from George Washington’s personal library: The Gleaner, Vol. I, by Constantia [Judith Sargent Murray]. First edition. Boston: I. Thomas and E.T. Andrews, 1798. Hardcover bound in contemporary sheep with morocco labels and gilt rules on the spine, 348 pages. Boldly signed on the title page in ink with his ownership signature, “Go: Washington.” Loosely laid in are several early 20th-century newspaper clippings covering the disposition of George Washington’s personal library upon his death, and later sales of books from it (est. $80,000+).
– John F. Kennedy rare privately printed As We Remember Joe (below), presented by the future president: “This book is for you with all my thanks—and Joe’ s—Jack Kennedy.” Privately printed in an edition of 250. Cambridge, Massachusetts: University Press, 1945. Hardcover bound in red cloth with gilt lettering, 6.25 x 9.25, 75 pages. Signed and inscribed on a card affixed to the first free end page in fountain pen, “Dear Danny: This book is for you with all my thanks—and Joe’ s—Jack Kennedy” (est. $8,000+).
– John Quincy Adams signed “Orations and Correspondence” volume presented to Gen. John E. Wool. Unique “sammelband” book containing several separately printed pamphlets, titled on the spine: Orations By and Correspondence of President John Adams, Presented to Gen. Wool by John Quincy Adams. Hardcover bound in contemporary sheep with gilt spine titling. Gen. John Ellis Wool served in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and—at age 77—the Civil War, making him the oldest active general officer on either side (est. $5,000+).
Among other highlights are documents by signers of the Declaration of Independence, including a Thomas Jefferson twice-signed letter. The Revolutionary War-dated one-page handwritten letter as governor, signed “Th: Jefferson,” May 14, 1780. Letter to Col. Anthony Walton White, “of the Virginia horse in South Carolina,” in full: “I do myself the pleasure of transmitting to you the inclosed [sic] advice of Council and order in answer to your application to us. The board of trade inform me they have & shall immediately forward to the Southward such stores as will amount to about half the annual allowance.” Jefferson addresses the reverse of the second integral page and adds his signature to the upper left. (Estimate: $6,000+)
In addition, the online offering includes a wealth of Supreme Court justices; and leading figures of world history. For more information, go to www.rrauction.com.
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