JOCELYN [inscribed by Galsworthy] by [Galsworthy, John] - 1898

1898. [boldy inscribed by Galsworthy] By John Sinjohn. London: Duckworth & Co., 1898. 2 pp ads dated Easter 1898. Original olive green cloth.

First Edition of Galsworthy's first novel (and his second book -- the first, FROM THE FOUR WINDS, having been a collection of stories). As with his first book, Galsworthy had the book published under a pseudonym, and was soon to disown this early effort (refusing to allow it to be reprinted); not only was he ashamed of his early writing technique, but also he regretted presenting such a thinly-veiled account of his illicit love affair with his cousin's wife Ada (who would later become his wife). Galsworthy dedicated JOCELYN to Joseph Conrad, who had been the First Mate on the ship when he sailed home from Australia -- and who helped Galsworthy get this book published. This is one of only 750 copies (of a total edition of 1500 that included some for the colonial edition). The condition is near-fine -- essentially no wear at all, but the spine a bit dull as usual. Marrot p. 4. This copy is boldly inscribed and signed by Galsworthy on the front free endpaper, "For Louis Henry Cohn | Every good wish | John Galsworthy | April 14, 1931." Cohn, after serving in the French Foreign Legion during the Great War, with his wife Marguerite founded the legendary House of Books in New York City just six months before Galsworthy inscribed this book; the couple were friends and later bibliographers of Ernest Hemingway. (Incidentally Galsworthy would never have signed his actual name, nor with such flourish, had he inscribed this book when it was published in 1898.) Housed in a morocco-backed slipcase with inner chemise -- which appropriately bears the small label of House of Books.