Essays in London and Elsewhere

London: James R. Osgood, McIlvaine & Co, 1893. Hardcover. Very Good. Hardcover. First edition. An excellent association copy of one of James's major books of essays. It is his presentation copy to Lucy Clifford, "Mrs. Clifford from her friend & servant Henry James." Henry James (1843-1916) was one of the most important writers in American letters as well as one of its most productive and influential. Lucy Clifford (1846-1921) was a British novelist and dramatist with a wide circle of literary friends, most notably Henry James. From their letters it is clear that she held a special place in his affections and was one of his closest friends and confidantes. (See "Bravest of women, finest of friends": Henry James's Letters to Lucy Clifford, ed. Marysa Demoor and Monty Chisholm, 1999). The essays include pieces on James Russell Lowell, Fanny Kemble, Gustave Flaubert, Henrk Ibsen, and Mrs. Humphrey Ward. Bound in original beige cloth with gilt author and title to spine and front cover, and an Art Nouveau style decoration on front.Light rubbing, bumping, and three ink stains on front cover. Interior pages show slight aging to margins but are otherwise clean. A nice copy in very good condition. Housed in a cream cloth covered clamshell box with black and gilt title label to spine. 320 pages. LIT/011416.