A Passionate Pilgrim, and Other Tales

First edition, first issue of Henry James first published book and first collection of stories. Containing: "A Passionate Pilgrim," "The Last of the Valerii," "Eugene Pickering," "The Madonna of the Future," "The Romance of Certain Old Clothes," and "Madame de Mauves." With J R Osgood & Co in gilt on the spine and without a full stop after the final 'o'; one of 1500 copies printed, of which only 1100 were originally bound with this spine (the remaining being bound with an updated publisher on spine in 1878). No markings or indications that this was from a lot transferred to England for sale - this is a true first North American edition.

Bound in Green cloth over boards with sloped edges (designed) and debossed frames on the front and back. Gilded lettering to spine and gilded rules at head and tail of spine. Rubbing to covers, some frayed corners, fraying at head and tails of spine. Overall used, but very good. Beginning of crack along pastdown/ffep fold. Brown endpapers. The interior is lightly and evenly toned. Small pencil note on rear blank.

Provenance: Bookplate of Barton Currie inside front cover. Barton Currie was a mid 20th century journalist, author, and book collector. Additionally, from the private library of Maurice Sendak with laid in paper documenting its sale. Maurice Sendak was a celebrated children's author and illustrator known for multiple works including, "Where the Wild Things Are."

Pages: 496     Dimensions: 7⅝ x 5¼ x 1⅜