Books

First edition, first printing. With the author's presentation inscription to the front free endpaper, "John from E.W. May 9 1925". John Hugh Smith was a wealthy English banker, friends with Edith Wharton from 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 author has made two corrections to the text. Octavo. Original burgundy cloth, titles to front board and spine gilt. Spine very dull but an excellent copy. Garrison A 37 I a1.

'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.