Barrie, J.M.--Rackham, Arthur

4to, first trade edition, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO THE LLEWELYN DAVIES FAMILY NURSE ("To Mary Hodgson | with kindest regards | from J.M. Barrie | Jan 1907." on half-title, 50 coloured plates and other illustrations by Arthur Rackham, original russet cloth lettered and with design in gilt, owner's contemporary blue linen jacket, some minor spotting, minor tears and creases to tissue-guards

Mary Hodgson, authorial inscription

Riall p. 74

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Mary Hodgson was “the Davieses’ young and incorruptible nurse”, in the words of Denis Mackail, see his The Story of J.M.B., 1941). Hodgson was first offered the post of under-nursemaid to the Davies family in 1897 but soon became “exclusive nurse to the family… she brought to her role a measure of the traditional nanny, and walks in Kensington Gardens soon became a daily routine” (see Andrew Birkin, J.M. Barrie and the Lost Boys, 2003, p. 54). She later became house-keeper and, writing to her in January 1918, Barrie noted “No one knows, no one could know, so well as myself, what you have been to the boys, except indeed the boys themselves…” (see Andrew Birkin, J.M. Barrie and the Lost Boys, 2003, p. 274).