James, Henry

8vo, 2 volumes, FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR ON THE FRONT ENDPAPER OF VOLUME 1 ("To Lucy Clifford | her affectionate | old friend | Henry James. | Dec: 5th 1896"), advertisements at the end of both volumes, original light blue cloth gilt, publisher's ornaments on upper cover, preserved in quarter blue morocco folding box, some slight browning and spotting, slight wear to extremities of binding

Lucy Clifford, authorial presentation inscription

Edel & Laurence A47a

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."

Publication was on 1st October 1896, in an edition of 1250 copies. James met his fellow writer, his "Beloved girl" the devoted and generous-hearted Lucy Jane Clifford (née Lane, pseud. John Inglis, 1846–1929) in 1880 and she became, over time, one of his cherished London friends and most important correspondents. Her London literary salons were famous, attracting the likes of Leslie Stephen, John Collier, Frederick Macmillan, George Bernard Shaw, and James himself, who soon became a prized friend. She had lost her husband (the brilliant mathematician W.K. Clifford) at the young age of 24, being left with two young daughters. She treated him as if he were one of her young protégés, inducing the editor of the Illustrated London News to publish The Other House (see lot ***). She also helped launch Rudyard Kipling in London having read him in India. She was a "hearty, mothering, energetic woman, direct in conversation and formidable in her ability to get things done" (Edel, The Master 1901-1916, p.106)."James was an habitué of her home and like nothing better than to sip a liqueur by her fireside after an evening a the theatre" (op.cit). Mrs Clifford was one of three London friends remembered in James's will.