During World War I, he served as a go-between for Wharton and Henry James.

She very well knew she could rely on him, not only to keep her taste true to the highest mark, but to safe-guard and help her, to lift trouble off her back, in every way that appertained to his department and I don’t know in how many more. who stood on an equal moral footing with her,' recalled her friend Gaillard Lapsley: He always treated her with a frank but respectful severity, which so far from resenting she relied upon. While Hermione Lee is correct to note that 'Wharton treated her servants like servants,' it is also clear that White occupied a special position. Wharton's friend Elisina Tyler observed that the writer 'needs the freedom which perfect servants bestow on one.' White echoed this sentiment in a letter to Bernard Berenson written shortly after his mistress's death: “For 49 years it was my privilege to serve her and protect her from household cares, that she could carry on her work in peace.”Īlfred White, in service to Edith Wharton for forty-nine years. When rheumatism prevented him from discharging his duties as a butler, White was promoted to general manager, 'keeping a firm hand over his footmen,' and serving as her agent. He accompanied the Whartons on their travels, and organized their homes in England, France, and Italy. After the two divorced in 1913, White passed into Wharton's service. A native of England, White was hired as valet to Edward Robbins (Teddy) Wharton, the writer's husband. For almost fifty years, Alfred White (1863-1942) was an intimate member of Wharton's household, serving faithfully as Wharton's factotum from 1888 until her death. The significance of this particular inscription is unparalleled.

In fact, we do not know of another, and there has never been one at auction, which is surprising given that this is her most highly sought work.

Signed copies of Ethan Frome are very rare. Inscribed by Wharton to her butler, Alfred White, in the month of publication.Īn extraordinary association copy of one of Wharton's most celebrated books, and perhaps the most famous novella in American literature, for generations a staple of the academic curriculum. Johnson, Highspots of American Literature Garrison A19.1.c. Slight lean, a touch of sunning to spine, light foxing to gutters otherwise near fine in original cloth.

First state, with 'wearily' in unbroken type on the penultimate line of p. First English edition from American sheets. 195 p., with a 32 page catalogue appended 19 cm.

1911 novel by edith wharton