Ticknor [1866-1937] was the granddaughter and daughter of publishers who had close relationships with many authors. This book is an autobiographical account of her interest and explorations into these authors so well known to members of her family. She shares information on, among others, Dickens, Hawthorne, Longfellow, Whittier, Mark Twain, Howells, Henry James, the Coleridge family, Anne Thackeray Ritchie. Interesting to Austen fans, she includes a chapter where she visited "Jane Austen's Grand-Niece." She was introduced by Mr Austen Leigh, whom she met at Anne Thackeray Ritchie's home. He brought her to visit his aunt, and in this charmingly described home, she was shown the writing table, which was opened to reveal letters and a manuscript. She saw a huswife Austen made with a note to a friend tucked inside, and saw presentation first editions Austen had inscribed to various family members. It's a very short chapter, but quite touching to Austen fans. She ends with the grand niece asking her "Please don't tell any Americans where we live!" She gives no date for this visit, bu it was obviously before 1922 when the book was published. This copy has penciled in front "12/95 from the library of J. David Grey" but no further proof. Slight corner bumps, a little cover wear. Clean, VG condition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston & New York. First edition. 1922. Hb, Dj.  USED. $40.00