The Making of a History: Letters of Henry Adams to Henry Vignaud and Charles Scribner 1879-1913

70 pages. Preprint from the Proceedings of the 'Massachusetts Historical Society,' Volume 71 (1953-1957). Letters 'tell much about the way Adams worked, something of his attitude toward history and toward publishers and readers in history, and a great deal about his taste in book design.' - from the introduction. Inscribed by the author on front free endpaper: 'For Jim Hart - The gift of this volume gives me an opportunity to express my appreciation of his great services to American Literature. Waller Barrett.' First edition (first printing). Near fine copy blue paper over boards and black cloth covers with title and decorations in bright gilt. In a chipped and tanned glassine wrapper. James Hart (1911-1990) was a professor at University of California, Berkeley, and author of the Oxford Companion to American Literature.