The Young Visiters. Or, Mr. Salteena's Plan. With a Preface by J. M. Barrie.
New York: George H. Doran Company, 1919. 12mo. First US edition. Presentation inscription on the flyleaf: 'With all good wishes from the author, Daisy Ashford'. Original illustrated paper boards. Frontispiece of the author aged nine. Very slight pushing to the spine ends and corner tips. Author inscription in ink on the flyleaf below which is a patch of light abrasion. Contents clean and fresh. The jacket is in a poor state with paper reinforcements and one large insertion to cover loss to the bottom half of the back panel. Item #5035
The jacket quotes a 'great writer' saying that: 'The Young Visiters' is a scrumptious affair and fit to make all the right people jump with joy.' It also features longer praise from Hugh Walpole: 'Mrs. Ashford must have allowed her daughter to read more fiction at that tender age than most mothers permit their children even in these days. As I have said, the technique is admirable. Adventure follows adventure, quite breathlessly - there is no time for pause. But it is in the creation of character that Miss Ashford especially excels. Mr. Salteena, her hero, is admirably done.' According to a further Walpole puff on the back of the jacket, there had already been four editions of the book in England before this American publication. Nevertheless, a first US impression with Daisy Ashford's presentation note at the front is a highly desirable object. If, like Bernard Clark, you are 'inclined to be rich', then snap it up immediately or 'I shall perforce dash my body to the brink of yon muddy river he panted wildly.'.
Price: £650.00