DOUG’S Q-C COLLECTIBLES: ‘Roosevelt’ autographed book for a Moline woman

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By Doug Smith | Monday, May 19, 2008 4:33 PM CDT | () comments

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) Could this handwritten manuscript signed by "President (Teddy) Roosevelt" be valuable?

Dear Doug: We have a book, “The Simple Life” by Charles Wagner published by McClure Phillips & Co. It was translated from French by Mary Louise Hendee with an introduction and biographical sketch by Grace King. The book is 7 inches by 5 inches and a hardcover. Handwritten in the front is the original owner’s name and address (924 17th St., Moline), dated 1902. The book was sent by President (Theodore) Roosevelt to her as a gift and signed by him. He also wrote a note expressing his opinion of the book. Is there any way to confirm the authenticity of the book and the signature?

P.M.

Bettendorf

Dear P.M.: This is indeed an interesting find. To imagine that you are in possession of what was once in the hands of President Teddy Roosevelt and given by him to someone in Moline who was perhaps a personal friend is a special, if not spiritual, experience.

Furthermore, handwritten, signed manuscripts by President Teddy Roosevelt can bring $10,000 and more, depending on content and historical significance. Generally speaking, a manuscript ranks just behind an autographed letter in desirability and value among collectors.

Letters, of course, are written communications between two parties while a manuscript is not a personal response or a communication requiring or intending a response from a second party. Manuscripts include diaries, musical compositions, lecture notes and other narratives. Value is also determined by whether the document is handwritten by the signee, secretarial-handwritten or typed.

For example, the original letter in which Teddy Roosevelt first used the words “Speak softly and carry a big stick” can be purchased today from The Raab Collection for $200,000. It is cited by the Library of Congress as an “American treasure.” I had hoped to buy it myself until I realized that the number of zeroes behind the “2” was several too many.

Charles Wagner was born in Wiberswiler, Alsace, France, and attended the universities of Gottingen and Heidelberg, entering the seminary and reading theology in Paris. He accepted the pastorate of the Remiremont Reformed Church in 1877, but resigned in 1882 to study history and psychology. He first published “The Simple Life” in 1895, which became a big success. The content examines the attributes and virtues of living a simple life, and the author’s thoughts and premises, though written well over 100 years ago, are as relevant to modern-day man as they were then. It is a profound read, and Wagner established himself as a serious philosopher.

Anyone wishing to cut stress from their daily routine and find the simple joys in life will want to read this classic, which can be downloaded in its entirety from the Internet at no cost. Some of the chapters include “Our Complex Life,” “The Essence of Simplicity,” “Simplicity of Thought,” “Simplicity of Speech,” “Simple Duty,” “Simple Needs,” “Simple Pleasure” and “Simple Beauty.” As you might suspect, Wagner denounces our materialistic and status-seeking ways while encouraging self-restraint, self-reliance, truth, honesty and service to others.

President Roosevelt was so taken by Wagner’s works that he invited him for a triumphant tour of the United States and as a guest at the White House. Roosevelt personally introduced Wagner to audiences in Washington, D.C., and lauded the pastor’s work publicly, citing teachings and applications from the book as examples of how we should live. The president’s personal recommendations and comments were certainly well-known at the time, with the details published in McClure’s magazine.

Sadly, based on several examples I have examined, the handwriting and signature found in your book are definitely not the president’s. Most authentic signatures I have seen are written as “Theodore Roosevelt” and sometimes, but rarely, “T. Roosevelt.” I also would have to ask myself why he would sign as “President Roosevelt.” It is not necessary for the president of the United States to use his title. I would venture to guess that the book was a gift from someone who felt it was important to bring attention to the presidential endorsement of it. The monetary value of this book is less than $25, but its contents just might be life-changing.

Contact Doug Smith with your collectibles questions by e-mailing him at DougsQCCollecting@hotmail.com or send a note to the Quad-City Times, Attn.: features editor, P.O. Box 3828, Davenport, IA, 52808. Please send a photograph, if available, either by e-mail or letter.