On Vital Reserves: The Energies of Men; The Gospel of Relaxation by William James

William James - On Vital Reserves: The Energies of Men; The Gospel of Relaxation

Henry Holt & Company, New York, 1911. First Edition. With original dust jacket.

A true first edition, first printing (1911) of William James's On Vital Reserves, published by Henry Holt & Company. This slim volume gathers two of James's most enduring essays, The Energies of Men (first collected in Memories and Studies, 1911) and The Gospel of Relaxation (first delivered in Talks to Teachers on Psychology, 1899). Together they represent James's accessible reflections on human potential, fatigue, and the "hidden reserves" of energy available to all of us — ideas that influenced psychology, philosophy, and later movements in self-help and personal development.

Provenance:

The front free endpaper bears the period ink ownership inscription of Lillian J. McKey (1883-1955), Valdosta, Georgia. Lillian was a member of the prominent McKey family of Valdosta — kin to Doc Holliday's McKey uncles, Thomas S. and William H. McKey. The McKeys were landowners and public figures in southern Georgia; their name remains part of Valdosta's recorded history. While not directly connected to William James, this provenance ties the book to a notable Southern family of the early 20th century.

Significance: First edition (1911): Copyright page correctly states "Copyright, 1911, by Henry James.Jr."

Dust jacket present: Extremely uncommon for this title, given its fragile paper wrapper and inexpensive original price. Cultural importance: James's philosophy of "vital reserves" had a profound impact, anticipating modern discussions of human energy, motivation, and stress. Collectible value:

Copies of this book without dust jacket appear on the market in the $50-100 range. A first edition in jacket, such as this, is rarely seen and carries significantly greater value.

Condition:

• Jacket: Very good, complete, with small chips and edgewear.
• Binding: Grey boards, black cloth spine, gilt titling intact.
• Pages: Clean, minimal toning, no markings aside from ownership inscription.
• Provenance: Ownership inscription "Lillian McKey, Valdosta, Ga." in elegant early 20th-century ink hand.