The Quest of the Historical Jesus

First English edition — of a recognised theological work — based on the 1906 first edition written in German.
Contemporary Bradel publisher's khaki binding, smooth spine lettered with the title and author's name in gilt at head and with the publisher's name in gilt at foot, as well as gilt fillets at extremities, two blind-stamped fillets framing the boards. Autograph inscription by Albert Schweitzer in ink on the front free endpaper to Adèle Herrenschmidt, a friend he nicknamed "Tata" — and possibly lover according to some scholars — thirty-two years his senior, with whom he maintained a close relationship for nearly a quarter of a century and whom he accompanied on travels, he to write, she to rest, on account of her fragile health: "Fribourg 1910, April. As a keepsake. Albert S."
Spine ends slightly sunken, a few faint spots to the spine.
Provenance: library of Mme Adèle Herrenschmidt, by descent.

(our own translation)

"My dear friend,
I can give you only good news. Your new friend "per Prokura" [Adèle Herrenschmidt] is better, indeed much better. When I arrived, she was still languishing; the previous day she had been up for the first time. Since then she feels better every day. I am still a bit of a nurse: every day we take short walks, and I have to hold on to her arm. But I am confident as far as her future is concerned.
For this reason, I am quietly content. No worries about my two friends. I have not felt that way for a long time.
We fixed a pleasant study, the same I have had for the last four years. I look at the entrance to the valley that is closed by a huge rock. On the other side is the world, and I tremble when I think that each passing day brings me closer to the time when I have to travel around this rock and return to the world. I enjoy every moment, every second. The distant sound of the brook rocks me, and my thoughts are like children who wake up smiling.
My free time, when I am not occupied as a nurse, I spend on my studies. If I did not restrain myself, I would work all day, my head feels so well. Indeed, you will be busy. The first two chapters ["Geschichte der Leben-Jesu-Forschung"] are completely revised. I mailed them to a young minister, a friend of mine, yesterday, so he can check the spelling and punctuation."

Extract from Albert Schweitzer's correspondence with his future wife Hélène Bresslau, August 21, 1905, published in 2003 in "The Albert Schweitzer-Helene Bresslau letters, 1902-1912."