Books

First UK edition. Inscribed by Wharton on the front free endpaper, "A.J.H.S. from E.W. January 1909." Publisher's original blue cloth, lettered in gilt and with gilt decoration to the spine. A very good copy. John Hugh Smith was a wealthy English banker, who became friends with Edith Wharton in 1908. "John Hugh Smith's youthful crush on her graduated into a steady, undemanding, lifelong friendship. In later life, he became the most reactionary and old-fashioned member of her regular circle" (Hermione Lee).

The Hermit and the Wild Woman and other stories is a collection of seven short stories by Edith Wharton, exploring themes of loneliness, freedom, and the complexities of human relationships.