Wells, H.G.

8vo (186 x 126mm.), first edition, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO ARNOLD BENNETT ("'The Young Mistress's Tale' | to Arnold Bennett. | with love from his nephew | H.G. Wells") on the front endpaper, original red cloth gilt, collector's cloth folding box, slight offsetting to endpapers, slight foxing to fore-edge 

Wells 38

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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 ASSOCIATION COPY LINKING THE TWO EMINENT NOVELISTS. Bennett and Wells, who met in 1901, had much in common. They both came from the same social class, "both had sharp family memories of poverty and failure, both were ambitious. They were both socialists, and remained socialists, in their different ways. They were the same age (within months); they lived through the same patch of history. Both were to experience marital and sexual difficulties, through which they tolerantly supported each other...they gave a great deal to each other even on a practical level..." (Margaret Drabble, Arnold Bennett. A Biography).

Ann Veronica, with its feminist heroine, is the first in series of novels by Wells aimed at the taboos surrounding sexual desire in Edwardian England.