This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
FORSTER, E. M. (1879-1970). Marianne Thornton 1797-1887. A Domestic Biography. London: Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd., [1956]. 8vo. Illustrated with several black and white photographic plates. 301, [3, blank] pp. Publisher’s full blue cloth, spine lettered in gilt, publisher’s price-clipped dust jacket (cloth spine toned, rubbed, boards scuffed, light offsetting to endleaves; dust jacket with several tape repairs to verso, spine chipped, toned, some edgewear, toning, soiling, a few marginal short tears). Good. FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY FORSTER TO HIS AUNT “NELLIE” WHICHELO ON THE FFEP: “Nell with best love from Morgan May 1956” (dated 2 months before her death; signed by Forster with his middle name). ADDITIONALLY, THIS IS SIGNED BY FORSTER ON THE TITLE-PAGE. Mary Eleanor “Nellie” Whichelo (1862-1959) was Forster’s aunt, who was the director of the Royal School of Needlework for over sixty years. This book is a biography of Forster’s great aunt, Marianne, who was a human rights activist and anti-slavery activist. Upon her death, she bequeathed E. M. Forster 8,000 Pounds, which allowed him to travel the world and become a writer. An excellent family association.