Exit Lady Masham
by Louis Auchincloss
Illustrated by Istvan Ventilla
First Edition
Publisher: The Franklin Library, 1983
Copyright 1983 by Louis Auchincloss
Special arrangement with Houghton Mifflin Company.
Printed in USA
This limited first edition of EXIT LADY MASHAM has been private printed and personally signed by Louis Auchincloss exclusively for members of The Signed First Edition Society
“Dear Collector:
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once had Sherlock Holmes say:
“It is a great thing to start life with a small number of really good books which are your very own.”
And it occurs to me that perhaps no book is so much “your very own” as one that comes signed for you by its author — as does this fine First Edition of Exit Lady Masham by Louis Auchincloss.
The story itself, set in England almost 300 years ago, is something of a departure of Louis Auchincloss, who has gained perhaps his greatest fame for books about the power elite of American business and society. Very early in his career, Auchincloss was signed out as “a novelist of the caliber of Henry James.” Fellow writer Gore Vidal commented that “every American life has been affected by the people Auchincloss writes so well about.” He has done nothing to disappoint us since. Now he writes about an Englishwoman who rose, from a laundress on a great estate, to be one of the confidantes and advisors of Queen Anne. “
"Exit Lady Masham" delves into the intricate web of power, ambition, and social maneuvering within the court of Queen Anne, focusing on the influential and often controversial figure of Lady Masham. Louis Auchincloss crafts a narrative that explores the delicate balance of friendships, rivalries, and political intrigue, as Lady Masham navigates the shifting alliances and personal conflicts that shape the era. The book examines the complexities of her relationship with Queen Anne and her role in the political landscape of the time, revealing the subtle ways in which personal relationships can influence historical events. Auchincloss's insightful portrayal of character and his keen understanding of social dynamics create a compelling exploration of power, ambition, and the human cost of political maneuvering in a historical context.
Louis Auchincloss was an American novelist and social commentator, renowned for his insightful portrayals of the American upper class and their intricate social and moral dilemmas. His works, often set in New York's elite circles, explored themes of power, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships within a specific social context. Auchincloss's achievements include a prolific body of work that captured the nuances of American society, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. His writing style, characterized by its elegant prose, keen observations, and moral sophistication, solidified his place as a significant chronicler of American social history. Beyond his novels, Auchincloss also wrote essays and biographies, contributing to a broader understanding of American culture and its historical development.
Please review each photo carefully for wear and usage. This item came from a local estate sale and was in the previous owner's home office for many years. Send me a message if you have questions or would like additional photos.
