The Master of the House

London: Jonathan Cape, 1932. First edition. Cloth. Very Good Indeed/Good. 7" by 4.5". None. A scarce to see signed presentation copy of this religious-themed novel by Radclyffe Hall, touchingly inscribed by the author to the half-title. The first edition, second impression, published in March 1932.Signed by the author to the half-title, 'My dear Mrs Eastman, next is 'The Master of the House', my favourite child. I send it to you because it is about Provence but some more because whenever you look at it I want it to remind you of your kindness and consideration towards a very tired author that day at Southampton. Radclyffe Hall, March 9th 1940'.In the original price-clipped dust wrapper, stating to the front wrap 'The third Volume in a Uniform Edition of the Works of Radclyffe Hall'.'The Master of the House' follows the life of carpenter Christopher Benedit, in a small French town of St-Loup-sur-Mer.Radclyffe Hall is best remembered today for his novel 'The Well of Loneliness', a landmark work of lesbian literature.This novel was a departure from Hall's previous works, with a rather religious theme; this was due to Hall's guilt at being depicted in a blasphemous cartoon of her being crucified. Thus 'Master of the House' was and remains a polarising novel, with some regarding it as Hall's greatest novels, and others as a great disappointment. In the original publisher's cloth binding, in the original price-clipped dust wrapper. Externally, smart, with some light marks to the boards and spine. Minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine. Spots to the fore edge. Dust wrapper is edge worn, with chips and closed tears, and repairs to the reverse. Spots to the wraps. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean with the occasional spot. Author's inscription to the half-title. Very Good Indeed