A New Method of Learning the French Language; Embracing Both the Analytic and Synthetic Modes of Instruction; Being a Plain and Practical Way of Acquiring the Art of Reading, Speaking, and Composing French. Fasquelle, Louis [James A. Garfield] [Lucretia Rudolph] Gifts

Later edition of this progressive textbook on the French language, from the library of President James A. Garfield. Octavo, half morocco over original publisher's cloth covered boards with gilt titles to the spine, ornate "I&P" design stamped in blind to front and rear panels. Autograph quote about Cicero written in the hand of the 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield, to the front free endpaper in pencil, "It was no fault of Ciceros that treason had eaten into the hearts core of the Commonwealth and that men were now willing to be Slaves." Above that Garfield had written in pencil, "Chapsal Noel." The principal work of FrenchÂgrammarian Charles Pierre Chapsal (1787--1858) was "Nouvelle Grammaire Francaise" (1823) in which he collaborated withÂFrench humanist Francois Noel (1756-1841). Signed below that by Garfield's future wife in light pencil, "Lucretia Rudolph. Hiram." On the inside back cover, Lucretia has also written in pencil ten full names, possibly classmates or friends. From the library of Garfield with his ownership plate to the front pastedown stating, "Inter Folia Fructus Library of James A. Garfield." Accompanied by an autographed envelope by Garfield and signed, "J. A. Garfield M. C." and addressed to Addie M. Robbins, free franked and laid in. 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, and here we have one of these books. In good condition with losses to the spine and hinges, with the envelope in near fine condition. Housed in a custom folding chemise and cloth slipcase with gilt titles in fine condition. President James Abram Garfield (1831â "1881), the 20th President of the United States, was a figure of remarkable intellectual ability and moral conviction whose career reflected the aspirations and tensions of postâ "Civil War America. Born into poverty in Ohio, Garfield rose through education and public service, becoming a classics scholar, a Union general during the Civil War, and a long-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives before his election to the presidency in 1880. His brief tenure, cut short by assassination after only six months in office, was nevertheless significant for his commitment to civil service reform, his opposition to the entrenched patronage system, and his efforts to strengthen the authority of the presidency. His wife, Lucretia Rudolph Garfield, was an educated and deeply principled woman who shared her husbandâ s intellectual interests and played a significant role in preserving his legacy after his assassination. Known for her quiet strength and devotion, she managed the familyâ s affairs and later oversaw the creation of the Garfield Memorial Library, ensuring the preservation of his papers and historical memory.