A Backward Glance – Edith Wharton – 1936 Early Printing in Original Dust Jacket
 
A very good or better copy of Edith Wharton’s celebrated autobiography, A Backward Glance. Published by D. Appleton‑Century Company, New York. First edition with the 1934 copyright and the 1936 early printing code “5” at the bottom of the final page. Includes the frontispiece portrait of Wharton and numerous photographic illustrations throughout. A rich, behind‑the‑scenes account of Wharton’s public and private life—one of the essential literary memoirs of the 20th century.
 
8vo, 385pp + Index. Octavo (9" x 6"). Bound in the publisher’s attractive woven deep blue cloth (Garrison notes two bindings, no priority). Gilt facsimile signature on the front cover and gilt titles on spine. Light rubbing to corner tips; spine ends gently pushed. A previous owner’s pencil notation on the half‑title, otherwise clean and unmarked.
 
The original wrap‑around dustwrapper is present and in very good or better condition—scarce in this state. Clipped at the corners, priced $3.00 on the front flap (later crossed out in pencil and replaced with $1.75). Notable Appleton‑Century codes: #2856 on the lower front flap and #2857 on the lower rear flap. Some chipping and creasing at spine tips, small, closed tear to lower spine end, sunning to spine, and toning along flap folds and panels.
 
A strong, complete example of Wharton’s autobiography in its original dust wrapper—an increasingly difficult combination to find. Ideal for collectors of Wharton, early Appleton‑Century productions, and modern literary memoirs.