New York: Scribner’s, 1897. First Edition. Much less rubbed than usual; very good plus. Presentation copy; inscribed on the front free endpaper by the author, “M.P.B. from her affectionate Edith. December 1897.” The recipient was Minnie Bourget, wife of French writer and critic, Paul Bourget. The couple became close friends with the Whartons in 1893. Pasted onto the front blank is a three page Wharton holograph letter to Minnie, Dec. 29 [1897], mentioning sending this book, discussing Bourget’s talk at the Academy, their travel plans, and the critical success of this title, “I know you will be pleased to hear that we are having ‘bonne presse’ - isn’t that what you call it? - from all parts of the country - We are requested by one critic to write another book at once!”

[Book #16874P]