"The Record of Badalia Herodsfoot", in: Detroit Free Press Christmas Number
London: Unwin Brothers, [1890]. Folio (14 x 9.75 inches). [3], 4-30, [2] pages. Stapled as issued in self wrappers; green cloth chemise and slipcase. Some light cockling to the sheets, modest age-toning, a few small soilmarks, but generally in fine condition. Item #407176
First edition of Kipling's only story of the slums. Based on the author's observations of the lower classes, it is set in the East End, telling the story of a young, honest woman who has become a relief worker in the slums after she has been deserted by her abusive husband. She voluntarily administers a charity fund donated by the Church and keeps a detailed record of the money spent for the poor. When her husband, Tom Herodsfoot, returns to her and wants to appropriate the charity money, she refuses to hand it over, and in revenge he beats her to death. (See Dr Andrzej Diniejko, "'The Record of Badalia Herodsfoot,' Rudyard Kipling’s Only Slum Story".) Ballard's privately published catalogue XLVII p. 102; Richards A47 (locating only 7 copies in institutions).
Price: $350.00