INSCRIBED TO A CLOSE FRIEND
The Fruit of the Tree
Macmillan & Co., 1907.
First UK edition. Inscribed by Wharton to the half-title, "John Cambridge July 13 1913". With John Hugh Smith's ownership initials to the front free endpaper. Publisher's original blue cloth, lettered gilt. A very good copy, a little toned to the spine.
John Hugh Smith was a wealthy English banker, who became friends with Edith Wharton in 1908. "John Hugh Smith's youthful crush on her graduated into a steady, undemanding, lifelong friendship. In later life, he became the most reactionary and old-fashioned member of her regular circle" (Hermione Lee)
Stock ID: 36257
£2,600.00
