The Wings of the Dove. by James, Henry - 1902

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1902. First American edition, and true first, preceding the English edition of James' classic novel. Octavo, original cloth, two volumes, gilt topstain. In very good condition. Considered one of Henry James' greatest novels of character portrayal, which details the days of "the vivid and magnificent yet corrupt Kate Croy... trapped, forced, held down by her social circumstances" (Barbara Everett, Times Literary Supplement, 2005). "In his last three novels, The Wings of the Dove, The Ambassadors, and The Golden Bowl, he returned to the 'international' theme of the contrast of American and European character" (Drabble, 503). The Wings of the Dove later became the inspiration for the opera of the same title by Douglas Moore in 1961. It was the basis for the 1997 film directed by Iain Softley and starring Helena Bonham Carter, Linus Roache, and Alison Elliott. It was nominated for four Academy Awards and five BAFTAs, recognizing Bonham Carter's performance, the screenplay, costume design and the cinematography.The American edition preceded the publication of the English edition by nine days. Edel & Laurence A56a. Phillips, 56-7. BAL 10647.