Books

First edition. Inscribed by Wharton to the front free endpaper, "John from E.W. May 9 1925". The author has made two corrections to the text (on pp. 118 and 270). A very good copy, toned to the spine. 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 Mother's Recompense' opens on Kate Clephane in a hotel in the French Riviera, marooned by the world and by her own choices in life. She receives a summon from her estranged daughter in New York, which propels her to confront the past she left behind.