PBA Galleries

3 volumes. (8vo) 24.5x16 cm (9½x6¼") original blue cloth, paper spine labels. One of 300 sets. First Edition.

On the front free-endpaper is tipped a black-bordered 3½x2¼” calling card of Mrs. Clara Hay with notation in ink above and below her printed name so it reads “with / Mrs. Hay’s / compliments.” This page is signed in ink in the upper right “Lucretia R. Garfield / 1909.” The first Presidential memorial library, completed at the Lawnfield estate in Ohio by the widow of James Garfield four years after his assassination, houses almost 3,000 books that were used and treasured by the 20th president. Books were a scarce commodity to young James, who lost his father before the age of two, and was raised by his mother who struggled to maintain a humble existence. Both James Garfield and his wife Lucretia were voracious readers and amassed a large collection of books. Some twenty years ago, several dozen of his books were de-accessioned, including this three volume set.