Waugh, Evelyn

large 8vo, FIRST EDITION, THE DEDICATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO PENELOPE BETJEMAN ("Penelope Stabularia | with love from | Evelyn | Oct 1^st 1950") on front free endpaper, ONE OF ABOUT FIFTY LARGE PAPER COPIES, original cream cloth, collector's folding brown morocco box, cloth a little soiled, some spotting to endpapers

Sale, Christie's New York, 17 May 1989, lot 240

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."

ONE OF A NUMBER OF COPIES SPECIALLY BOUND FOR THE AUTHOR, THIS COPY FOR THE DEDICATEE, LADY PENELOPE BETJEMAN. Penelope Chetwode (1910-1986) had married John Betjeman in 1933, and became acquainted with Waugh soon afterwards. 

Whilst Waugh was often cited as the driving force behind her conversion to Catholicism in 1948, Penelope herself refuted this, although he was enthusiastic about her decision, and Penelope chose him as one of her sponsors for her confirmation. In 1950, he dedicated his Helena, a novel about the life of the Roman empress St. Helena, to Penelope, and presented her with this large paper copy inscribed to "Penelope Stabularia", 'Stabularia' (translated as "stable-maid") alluding to the shared fondness for horses between Penelope and his protagonist.

Waugh presented a number of copies of his novel to his circle, and at Christmas wrote to Nancy Mitford, "No presents for anyone this year on account of the handsome Helena's I gave quite lately. Do you think that will wash?" (Letters, p.343). It was Penelope's manners however that proved to be amiss: shortly after publication, Waugh wrote to her husband to point out "the only person who hasn't thanked for Helena is you wife. Biff her on the boko." (ibid, p.340).