James, Henry.

8vo (190 x 125mm.), first edition, presentation copy inscribed to the poet Ethel Clifford, 38pp. publisher's catalogue at end dated July 1903, original crimson cloth, cover and spine lettered in gilt, some slight foxing and spotting, half-title with small tear, title with small dog-ear, spine darkened and with minor wear at ends

Ethel Clifford, presentation inscription; "The Modern Movement: the Annette Campbell-White Collection", sale at Sotheby's, 7 June 2007, lot 34

Connolly The Modern Movement 16; Edel and Laurence A58a; Sadleir 1260; Wolff 3553

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A fine inscribed presentation copy of one of the author's great novels. 

The inscription reads "To Ethel Clifford | her affectionate old friend |Henry James | Sept: 29: 1903" (the book itself was published on 24 September). 

Ethel Clifford was the daughter of Mrs W.K. (Lucy Lane) Clifford, one of James's oldest and most cherished London friends. James had known her since the 1880s "and their friendship had deepened every year" (Leon Edel, Henry James. The Master. 1901-1916). She had lost her husband, one of the greatest mathematicians of the Victorian era, W.K. Clifford, at the age of twenty-four, and was still wearing mourning when James first met her in 1880. A writer in her own right (her novels Mrs Keith's Crime and Aunt Anne were highly successful), she hosted Sunday salons and helped launch Rudyard Kipling. "Lucy Clifford was genial; she spoke well, and to the point; she was eminently expressive and generous. Late in life James would speak of 'that admirable Lucy Clifford--as a character, a nature, a soul of generosity and devotion'. She was... he said, 'one of the finest bravest creatures possible'. Mrs Clifford was one of three London friends who would be remembered in Henry James's will" (Edel, op.cit.).