J.A. FROUDE, THE NEMESIS OF FATE, 1849, WITH RELATED LETTERS BY FROUDE AND OTHERS

8vo, FIRST EDITION, with 11 letters tipped in, all 8vo, mostly concerned with Monckton Milnes's anonymous offer of money to Froude to enable him to study in Germany following the book's controversial publication, including two letters by J.A. Froude, to Max Müller, the first explaining that "I cannot accept money for which no duty is to be performed" but the second provisionally accepting the offer (6 pages, 20 April-19 May [1849]), four letters by A.P. Stanley of University College, Oxford, to Monckton Milnes, discussing Froude's destitution, Milnes's offer of support, and Max Müller's role as an intermediary to ensure Milnes's anonymity (10 pages), and a much later letter of thanks by J.A. Froude, to Milnes (then Lord Houghton), on discovering that he was his intended benefactor ("...That offer coming upon me in the middle of my troubles unlooked for out of the skies; gave me for the first time some confidence in myself..."), (4 pages, headed stationery of 5 Onslow Gdns, London, 10 May [n.y.]); also with a review of The Nemesis of Fate and related cuttings tipped in; purple roan with Lord Houghton's wheatsheaf device stamped on the upper cover, some light spotting

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Froude's partially autobiographical novel The Nemesis of Fate caused a scandal on publication for its attacks on Anglican conventions and was even burnt at Exeter College, Oxford, where its author was a fellow. As a result Froude lost his fellowship, his career, and his parental allowance. In the end he did not accept Milnes's anonymous offer of money but took a job as a private tutor to a Manchester family.