JAMES, Henry (1843-1916). Wings of the Dove. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1902.

First edition, a presentation copy, inscribed by James to a family friend: "Evelyn Smalley / from her affectionate old friend / Henry James Feb. 22 1905." Evelyn Garnaut Smalley (1869-1938) was born to American parents in London. Her father, George W. Smalley, took a post during the Civil War at the New York Daily Tribune and afterward became the paper's London correspondent. In the 1870s, the newly expatriated Henry James became a regular guest at the family's table, with George even helping him find a publisher. In 1910, Evelyn, a devotee of James's work, would come to edit The Henry James Year Book, a selection of quotations from James’s novels, stories, and essays, one for every day of the year. Though not initially a commercial success, it eventually found its audience and was reissued in 2016 as The Daily Henry James. Edel & Laurence A56.

Two volumes, octavo (190 x 122mm). Half titles. Original smooth sateen biscuit cloth, top edge gilt (some general rubbing and wear with a little soiling to spines; vol. 1 with a little chipping to spine head and front hinge starting; small stain to upper cover of vol. 2). Provenance: Evelyn Smalley (1869-1938; authorial inscription) – pencil list of page numbers on rear endpapers, occasional markings in text.