I am beginning to age and realize that we are not going to be on this planet for long. I am in my 40s, and look back to my youth with sometimes distant and vague memories. When I think about what formed me in my youth, (obviously parents, coaches, church leaders, and friends), but what else comes to mind? Books.
I have a small, but rare collection of some books that I believe were instrumental in my view of American tradition and what makes our country great. One of those books is turning 100 this year. A 1st Edition Charles Scribner’s Sons 1925 print of Theodore Roosevelt, an Autobiography.
First thing to know about old books is that you need to respect them. They must be kept in a reasonable humidity environment to keep the pages from breaking, about 45-55%. And a cool environment around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid very low or high humidity environments to keep them from becoming fragile and turning to dust, or developing mould.
Which is worse? Probably breaking away to dust.
Handling is also important. Wash your hands and thoroughly dry them to remove dirt and oil. Do not force the book open, and never open it more than 90 degrees. Be respectful of the spine. It’s lasted this long, do you want to ruin it in your brief ownership before you or your loved one’s pass it on? Keep the book and spine supported by a stand or a cushion as you read.
Now, getting on to the book….
I realized what freedom meant when I read this book. Not too far back, only about 100 years or so America was a much more free place. One of my aviation mentors who is 94 today told me of how he remembered prohibition and that prior to the income tax, the alcohol tax used to run about 40% of the federal government’s budget. They were more responsible back then and freedom was much more alive in America.
Over time freedom has been slowly water’d down and killed. Suppressed, gagged, downtrodden and shackled. Reading old books can give you a window into how things were, the amazing feeling of opportunity, and adventure that comes from true freedom. This book is one of those amazing reads. Whenever possible I suggest a 1st edition print. Oftentimes over the years books are censored in accordance with modern political correctness, which deludes the truth and intention of the original author.
“New Edition” means Censored. Remember that.
If you get a chance I would highly recommend reading this book. Without it I wouldn’t have had a spirit for adventure, or a reason to do anything bold in my life. T.R. was bold and adventurous beyond imagination almost. He had a never quit attitude, and a passion for personal responsibility and learning new things every day. He didn’t let any excuses come between him and his missions in life.
How is this related to firearms? Read the book and you’ll see. T.R. was a gun guy through and through.