JAMES, Henry (1843-1916) and Joseph PENNELL, illustrator (1857-1926). Italian Hours. London: Heinemann, 1909.

First edition, one of 1000 copies printed. A presentation copy, inscribed by the author: "To Edmund and Nelly Gosse / their all-faithful old friend / Henry James December 4th 1909." James's close friendship with Edmund Gosse spanned several decades, with James writing more than 400 letters to him over its course. Gosse (1849-1928) was an English poet, author, and critic who translated Ibsen and played a role in encouraging the careers of Yeats and Joyce. Ellen Gosse (1850-1929) was a painter in the Pre-Raphaelite circle and, later, a journalist. Edel & Laurence A67.

Quarto (166 x 200mm) Half title, 64 plates, including frontispiece (some spotting internally, more pronounced at beginning and end). Original olive-green buckram stamped in gilt, top edge gilt (minor rubbing). Provenance: Edmund William Gosse and Ellen Gosse (1849-1928 & 1850-1929; bookplate for Edmund; authorial inscription) – Maurice Sendak (bookplate).