Donovan, Mike-The Roosevelt That I Know. Ten Years of Boxing with the President and Other Memories of Fighting Men #282 SIGNED Ltd. Edition

Description

Donovan, Mike ‘The Roosevelt That I Know’ 1909 author SIGNED limited edition #282. The lower portions of the front and rear covers have suffered damage as can be seen in the photos. The front hinge is loose, and the last blank page in the book is missing a big chunk in the upper top corner. Still a rare book and priced accordingly.

The Roosevelt That I Know: Ten Years of Boxing with the President—and Other Memories of Famous Fighting Men is a rare, autobiographical sports memoir written by International Boxing Hall of Famer Mike Donovan and published by B.W. Dodge and Co. in 1909. The book centers on Donovan’s close personal relationship and training sessions with President Theodore Roosevelt. Donovan, a Civil War veteran and middleweight champion who became a renowned boxing instructor, spent roughly a decade serving as Roosevelt’s sparring partner and boxing mentor. The text is divided into two primary focuses: The Presidential Sparring Sessions: Donovan recounts behind-the-scenes stories of boxing with “Teddy” Roosevelt, detailing the President’s early days in the sport, his aggressive fighting style, and his fierce dedication to the “strenuous life” and physical fitness. Memories of Ring Legends: Beyond his time with the President, Donovan provides a firsthand look at the golden age of American bare-knuckle and early gloved boxing. He shares personal recollections, strategies, and stories of legendary fighters he clashed with or trained, including John L. Sullivan, Jack “The Nonpareil” Dempsey, James J. Corbett, and Jake Kilrain. Features of the 1909 Signed Limited Edition Exceedingly Rare Autograph: Because Donovan passed away in 1918, copies featuring his authentic signature on the limitation page or flyleaf are highly prized and scarce. Visuals: The book spans roughly 234 pages and is heavily illustrated with monochrome plates, caricatures, and photographs depicting iconic boxing figures, matches, and historical cartoons. Physical Aesthetic: The limited-edition copy is traditionally bound in a premium burgundy cloth featuring gilt-titled lettering on the spine and a blind-stamped design of boxing gloves on the cover.