The Rough Riders by Theodore Roosevelt, First Edition, 1899

Roosevelt, Theodore, The Rough Riders. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1899. Octavo. First Edition. Illustrated with plates throughout. Presented in original olive green cloth boards, with gilt titles to the spine. With a new archival matching cloth slipcase. 

Presented is the first edition printing of Theodore Roosevelt’s The Rough Riders. Published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in New York in 1899, this book was a best seller upon its release. The book chronicles Roosevelt’s time commanding the Rough Riders during the Spanish American War. 

When Congress declared war on Spain on April 25th 1898, Roosevelt famously paused his personal career goals to raise his own volunteer cavalry, the “Rough Riders.” Volunteer regiments were supposed to be composed exclusively of frontiersmen, possessing special qualifications as horsemen and marksmen. Yet Roosevelt so successfully promoted his volunteer regiment that 20,000 applications were received in five days, from all parts of the country. Inspired to create a unique fighting force that would represent a microcosm of the country itself, Roosevelt persuaded the authorities to enlarge the regiment to include a troop of easterners. Roosevelt made them part of a cohesive unit, ensuring that cowboys and cattle drivers worked and slept side by side with bankers and the sons of New York’s elite. 

Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders” arrived in Cuba on June 23, 1898. Holding the position of Lieutenant Colonel, Teddy led his men into battle and charged valiantly up San Juan Hill, a decisive battle effectively ending the Spanish-American War. Less than a month later, on July 17, the Spanish had surrendered Cuba. His regiment proved worthy of its press and Roosevelt’s famous charge up San Juan Hill catapulted him to the Governorship of New York, the Vice Presidency, and ultimately the White House. 

The Rough Riders is a unique and compelling account of perhaps the most famous regiment in American history, as told by its Lieutenant. As such, it remains one of Roosevelt's most engaging and enduring works. The book is further collected for its numerous plates, printed from early photographs, a drawing by C.D. Gibson, and a painting by Frederick Remington, all of which add to this important historical record. 

CONDITION: 

In good condition. Octavo. In original full olive green cloth binding, with the front board and spine stamped in gilt . The edges of the spine and boards are somewhat sunned, with mild bumping, and very light soiling to binding.  Interior paper is healthy with only occasional toning and light foxing. Illustrated throughout with black and white plates.  Presented with a new matching archival cloth slipcase.

Book Dimensions: 8 1/2" H x 6" W x 1 1/2" D.  Slipcase Dimensions: 9" H x 6 1/4" W x 1 7/8" D.