Truman, Harry S.

Mr. President: The First Publication from the Personal Diaries, Private Letters, Papers and  Revealing Interviews of Harry S. Truman . . . by William Hillman. New York, 1952



4to (11 1/8 x 8 1/8 in.; 285 x 206 mm). Photographic illustrations, facsimiles. Original blue morocco gilt; slightest rubbing to head and foot of spine; half teal morocco clamshell case

A remarkable presentation copy, inscribed and signed three times by Truman, twice to his  Vice President, Alben W. Barkley. One of 250 specially bound copies of the first edition of Mr. President; on the limitation page in place of the number of this copy Truman has written "V.P." and added "To Hon. Alben W. Barkley. From Harry S. Truman White House, August 12, 1952." Facing the limitation page is a color illustration of Truman beneath which the president has written" To the best Vice president the country ever had! From the one who knows. H.S.T."

Barkley served as a representative and senator from Kentucky, including terms as both majority and minority leader of the Senate, before his term from 1949 to 1953 as Truman's vice president, and he returned to the Senate after his White House service ended. Three years after Barkley's death, Truman signed this copy of Mr. President once more, this time for Barkley's son on the title-page: "To David Barkley, thanks for a great day, October 24, 1959. Harry S. Truman."