Signed Advance Presentation First Edition: On My Own by Eleanor Roosevelt

This listing presents a cornerstone piece of mid-century political history and American presidential biography: an authentically hand-signed Advance Presentation First Edition of On My Own by former First Lady, diplomat, and human rights champion Eleanor Roosevelt. Published in 1993 by Harper & Brothers Publishers, this specially designated presentation issue was reserved exclusively prior to publication for personal friends of the author and publisher.

On My Own offers a poignant, courageous, and deeply inspiring chronicle of Eleanor Roosevelt's life following the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. Spanning thirteen pivotal years, the memoir documents her transition from the White House to her independent role as a global statesman, delegate to the newly formed United Nations, chair of the UN Human Rights Commission, and key architect of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. With remarkable candor and warmth, Roosevelt reflects on her international diplomacy across Asia, Europe, and the Soviet Union, her ongoing advocacy for civil rights, and her tireless effort to build a more just and peaceful post-war world.

Bound in publisher's original blue cloth with a grey cloth spine, dark blue leatherette spine label with gilt titling, and Eleanor Roosevelt’s facsimile signature stamped in dark ink to the lower front board, this copy features a printed presentation leaf stating: "This copy of ON MY OWN is one of those signed by Mrs. Roosevelt for advance presentation to friends of the author and publisher." Signed by Eleanor Roosevelt directly on this special leaf in flowing blue ink, this preserved volume stands as an outstanding, museum-quality artifact of 20th-century political history.

Edition & Special Presentation Specifications

• HARPER & BROTHERS ADVANCE PRESENTATION EDITION: Published in New York in 1958 by Harper & Brothers Publishers.

• EXCLUSIVE ADVANCE ISSUE FOR FRIENDS: Specially produced with a designated tipped-in or integral presentation leaf for private distribution to friends of Mrs. Roosevelt and Harper & Brothers ahead of the standard trade release.

• ORIGINAL CLOTH BINDING: Bound in publisher's two-tone blue and grey cloth with a dark blue titled spine label stamped in gilt, featuring a stamped facsimile signature on the lower right front cover.

Autograph Specifications & Provenance

• HAND-SIGNED BY ELEANOR ROOSEVELT: Authentically autographed in blue ink by Eleanor Roosevelt on the printed advance presentation leaf.

• VERY GOOD COLLECTIBLE CONDITION: Firm binding, square spine, clean interior leaves with light, natural age-toning to the text block; minor fading to the cloth along the spine as typical for this edition.

• CONSIGNOR NOTES: Eleanor Roosevelt’s On My Own is a fascinating and insightful account of the First Lady's role in international politics. In her post-White House years, Eleanor Roosevelt was a staunch advocate for the United States’ support of the United Nations. She was also the first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights. This rare and highly collectible advanced first edition book recounts her advocacy for democracy and freedom around the world.  While standard commercial copies are not uncommon, this one is truly special, being one of only a very limited number of advanced first edition copies that were meant only for presentation to friends of Eleanor Roosevelt and the publisher.