Presentation Copy
First Edition

Ashe, Thomas.
Songs of a Year.
London: Chiswick Press [Privately printed], 1888.

First Edition. Scarce. Presentation copy inscribed "To F. Coylestone with best wishes T. Ashe Feb. 1888." Thomas Ashe (1836-1889) was a minor English poet who was admired by some, including Michael Field, but his work was not popular with his generation. He has risen far enough to be included in many recent anthologies of mid-to late- Victorian verse.

In original paper wrappers. Covers stained, creased on right corner, and chipped along edges. Hinges tender but text block is tight and clean. Very good condition. 84 pages.  (#27814)

Price: $220

Includes hand-written letter from Binyon
First Edition

Binyon, Laurence.
Auguries.
London: William Heinemann, 2013.

Laurence Binyon (1869-1943) was a prolific English poet and scholar of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whose career spanned 50 years. During this time, he authored numerous poetry collections and plays, two historical biographies, and several art history volumes, including books on the works of Asian artists, English watercolorists, and William Blake’s drawings and engravings. He is perhaps best remembered for his World War I poem, “For the Fallen,” and his translation of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, which he translated in its original terza rima, a remarkable undertaking much admired by Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, and other younger poets.[Poetry Foundation]

This first edition of his poetry is accompanied by a charming tipped in handwritten letter dated December 2, 1913. He writes: "Dear Sir, I feel it an honour to comply with your request, & have written out a little poem from my just published volume [this work], which I hope may not be unsuitable for your purpose. I was particularly glad to get your letter because the reviews one gets in the newspapers are apt to make one feel that what has been written with all one's heart means nothing to the public; & besides I am much dissatisfied with my work & wish often I could make an entirely fresh start. To get a letter like yours is a reminder that there are people who prefer to encourage rather than discourage & that there are others besides the few I know for whom it is worth while printing what one writes. So it is I who thank you - Believe me Truly yours Laurence Binyon. P.S. I should have sent this at once but it is difficult to get a moment's leisure."

The letter has offsetting on the front page but it clear and legible in Binyon's attractive handwriting. Bound in brown cloth with faded gilt titling to spine and front cover. The book has some darkening to the covers and light bumping. Interior pages are clean with offsetting and light foxing to the preliminary and rear free endpapers and title page. Very good condition. Measures 5 x 7.25 inches. 97 pages.  (#35146)

Price: $190 

Presentation Copy - inscribed by Browning to dedicatee of one of his poems
First Edition

Browning, Robert.
Dramatic Idyls, Second Series.
London: Smith, Elder,and Co, 1880.

First Edition. AN IMPORTANT PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed “Mrs Proctor, with RB’s affectionate regards June 27 ‘80.” Anne Proctor’s husband, the barrister and poet Bryan W. Proctor (who wrote under the pseudonym Barry Cornwall), was the dedicatee of Browning’s poem “Columbe’s Birthday” (1844). The Proctors were among the Brownings’ closest friends. Proctor and John Forster anonymously edited the first selection from Browning’s works in the 1860s.

Near fine in original brown cloth with gilt title to spine. Light rubbing to edges and corners. There is browning from a paper clip to the top edge of the first few pages, else the interior is very clean. 147 pages plus 2 pages of advertisements. Near Fine. (#21417)

Price: $2,500 

Presentation Copy

Eckley, Sophia May.
Minor Chords.
London: Bell and Daldy, 1869.

Presentation Copy. Inscribed "To my dear Friend Mrs. Tipping with the love of her affec[tionate] Sophie May Eckley. London Nov. 30th 1868 (and many a happy memory of Chatsworth). Eckley (1823 - 1874) was a wealthy American lady who became an intimate friend with Elizabeth Barrett Browning during a chance meeting in Italy. They had a falling out several years later, but much of their relationship is detailed in "The Brownings Correspondence". She authored several books including travelogues and poetry.

Bound in original green cloth with black ruling and design to covers and gilt author and title to spine. Some bumping and chipping but otherwise in very good condition. Spotting to endpapers and occasional spotting in text. A very nice copy. 277 pages plus 2 page publisher addendum with quotes from reviews of Eckley's first book. Very Good. (#25919)

Price: $150 

Presentation Copy - Inscribed to Mrs. Churchill
First Edition

Flower, Desmond, editor and introduction.
The Poetical Works of Ernest Christopher Dowson.
London: Cassell and Co., and John Lane The Bodley Head, 1934.

First Edition. An interesting and unusual presentation copy from the editor to Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston: "To Mrs. Churchill, these poems from the day when Fanny's First Play was written; and in memory of the pleasure of seeing it in her company. August 11, 1935 Desmond Flower." The inscription makes reference to Fanny's First Play, written anonymously in 1911 by G. Bernard Shaw. Desmond Flower (1907-1997) was a publisher, collector, and writer. He joined his father's publishing house, Cassell, and remained there until it was sold in 1966 following his father's death. Cassell's was the publisher for many major writers, but Flower's most important writer was Winston Churchill, editing and publishing his History of English Speaking People and the History of the Second World War.

Bound in publisher's original green cloth with title and author in gilt to spine. Binding and text in near fine condition. In original dust jacket which is torn and tattered, and now protected by a mylar cover. 297 pages. Near Fine / Very Good Jacket. (#26836)

Price: $350 

Presentation Copy

Freyer, Dermot.
Sunlit Leaves: A Second Book of Verse Including Some Translations.
London: Henry J. Glaisher, 1909.

Inscribed: "To R.P.K., from D.J. F. March 19, 1912." Frontispiece portrait from a drawing by Dorothy Newill. Includes a poem inspired by Max Beerbohm's caricatures. Scarce volume by a minor but interesting modernist poet.

Bound in original cream wraps. Title and author in red on front cover. Some soiling, chipping and small tears along spine. Foxing to endpapers. Very good condition. 48 pages. Very Good in Wraps. (#25925)

Price: $250 

Presentation Copy
First American Trade Edition

Heaney, Seamus.
Sweeney Astray: A Version from the Irish.
New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, (1984).

First American trade edition. Inscribed and signed by the author to Robert Emmet Kennedy, dated May 1985. "This version of 'Buile Suibhne' is based on J.G. O'Keeffe's bilingual edition, which was published by the Irish Texts Society in 1913" (jacket). Bound in tan cloth over light green paper covered boards with gilt title to spine. Minor browning and wear to edges of boards. Clean and bright interior. In light green dust jacket with red title to spine and front panels. Fading to jacket on spine panel and along top edges of front and rear panels. Minor wear to edges of jacket and minor rubbing rubbing to panels. 85 pages. Very Good / Very Good. (#35748)

Price: $475 

Presentation Copy
First Edition

Housman, Laurence.
All-Fellow. Seven Legends of Lower Redemption with Insets in Verse.
London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner and Co., 1896.

First Edition. A Presentation Copy, inscribed "To W.B. Blaikie with sincere regards from Laurence Housman Feb. 18th 1897." Blaikie was a master printer and the head of the Edinburgh firm of T. and A. Constable, which produced several of Housman's books. This was an early work by Housman (1865-1959), the renowned English writer, illustrator, and playwright. Each of these seven Christian fantasy tales for adults is preceded by a lovely engraving by Housman and followed the verse "inset." Housman also did the cover design, title-page, and initial letters.

In original green publisher's cloth, with bumping, fading, and sunning to spine. Interior pages are very nice, with light browning to margins and deckled edges. In very good condition. 138 pages plus five pages of review comments for two other Housman books.  (#27812)

Price: $325 

Presentation Copy
First Edition

Kitcat, Mabel [Mabel Murray Hickson].
Some Verses.
London: Ballantyne, 1911.

First Edition. Scarce. Presentation copy, possibly from the author, inscribed "From one daughter to another 1911." English author Mabel Greenhow Kitcat also known as Mabel Murray Hickson (1859 - 1922) contributed short stories to many periodicals during the 1890s. She also wrote a short novel and some poetry.

Bound in original white cloth spine with blue cloth covered boards titled in gilt on the spine and front cover. Light soiling to spine and boards, but clean overall. Slight offsetting to endpapers, else clean interior. 52 pages. Very Good. (#28297)

Price: $150 

Signed, Limited
In Portuguese

Leonardos, Stella; Antonio Pedro (illustrator).
Romanceiro de Estacio.
Brazil: Ministerio da Educacao e Cultura, 1965.

Number 12 of 200 copies numbered and signed by the author. An additional 800 unsigned copies were printed. Elephant folio. A collection of 50 poems by Stella Leonardos illustrated with 3 lithographs by Pedro. Portuguese author and painter Antonio Pedro (1909 - 1966) helped introduce Surrealism into Portuguese painting during the 1930s. Bound in white and green paper wrappers with green title to front cover. Minor browning to spine and edges of wrappers and a few small closed tears to edges of wrappers. The interior is clean overall with minor browning to edges of pages. Some light foxing / light soiling to margins of some pages. Small closed tear to margin of one of the prints, which does not effect the image. Includes a postcard on the letterhead of the Brazilian minister of education and culture dated 7/6/65 with a brief handwritten note in Portuguese. Unbound as issued in large folded sheets. 91 pages plus plates, notes, and index. IN PORTUGUESE. Very Good. (#26518)

Price: $350 

Includes 5 hand written letters by the author
First Edition

Lucas, Winifred [Le Bailly].
Poems, with small collection of handwritten letters and copies of poems.
London: Burns & Oates, 1919.

Scarce first edition of an anthology of verse by Lucas. 12mo. Bound in brown linen with title, author and ornament in gilt to front cover. Slight bumping and fading but very good. Interior pages also very good, with gift inscription on ffep and an annotation in red ink on page 17 noting that a line of verse could be a motto for a sundial. 34 pages plus 4 pages of praise of the writings of Lucas and Alice Meynell. Accompanied by five short ALs from Lucas. Four were written between June - December1904 to Mr. Shorter asking for information and also inquiring about the possibility of submitting verse to "The Sphere." This would be Clement Shorter, the journalist and author who founded "The Sphere" and later "The Tatler." The fifth was to a friend in 1922 to congratulate her on the birth of her baby. Collection also includes fair copies of a few of her poems. Very Good. (#27029)

Price: $250 

Presentation Copy (Printed "from the Author" slip laid in)
First Edition

Meredith, George.
A Reading of Earth.
London: Macmillan and Co., 1888.

First Edition. Apparently a presentation copy, with an inserted sheet printed "From the Author" and with the bookplate of the recipient, G.W. Foote. Foote, a friend of Meredith's, was a British secularist and journal editor.

In the original dark blue cloth with light bumping to corners. Interior page very good with light aging to margins and occasional pencil mark next to a passage. The inserted sheet has a browned crease along the top edge. In very good condition. 136 pages. Very Good. (#26623)

Price: $175 

Signed & Limited

Merrill, James.
Hoi chilies kai he deutere nuchta [The 1002 nights and other poems] [in Greek].
[Athens]: Publications 8 1/2, [1966].

Scarce. Signed by Merrill on the title page. First translation of the poems into Greek. Translated by Vassili Vassilikos. According to Washington University's "James Merrill, a Poet 31", the limitation of this edition is 300 copies. The title is translated there as Hoi chilies kai he deutere nuchta.

In illustrated grey paper wrappers with black title (in Greek) to front cover. Offsetting from ink signature to page facing title page, else clean and bright. All text is in Greek. 45 pages. Fine. (#30007)

Price: $175 

Presentation Copy
First Edition

Nesbit, E. (Edith).
The Rainbow and the Rose.
London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1905.

First Edition. RARE PRESENTATION COPY. Edith Nesbit (1858-1924) was an English author and poet who is best known today for her children’s books. Publishing under E. Nesbit, she wrote or collaborated on over sixty books for children. She was a follower of William Morris and one of the founders of the Fabian Society, the British socialist movement. This book is inscribed: “To Olindo Malagodi from E. Nesbit July 1905.” Malagodi (1870-1934) was a prominent Italian liberal journalist and writer. He trained as a journalist in Britain, became the London correspondent for several newspapers, and eventually became the editor of La Tribuna in Rome. He was a close friend of Nesbit and her husband, Hubert Bland, eventually living near them as he raised his family. His son, Giovanni became an important Italian politician.

Bound in the original green cloth with lovely floral and fleur-de-lis design in gilt on front cover along with author and title. Light bumping and small light stain to top of rear cover; otherwise in beautiful condition. Front and rear endpapers are foxed but interior pages are bright and clean. Each section is preceded by a blank page with a flower illustration. Each flower is a different color. Nesbit’s books of verse are uncommon and nearly impossible to find signed. 143 pages plus 4 pages of advertisements for Nesbit’s books. Very Good. (#24819)

Price: $1,000 

Presentation Copy
First Edition

Patmore, Coventry.
The Espousals.
London: John W. Parker, 1856.

First Edition. Author's presentation copy inscribed "John Brett with the kind regards of Coventry Patmore Sept. 24/1856. Brett, an associate of the Pre-Raphaelites did at least two portraits of Emily Andrews Patmore and one of Coventry Patmore himself. Coventry Patmore (1823-1896) was an English poet now best known for The Angel of the House, his narrative poem about the ideal happy marriage. This was published as volume II to The Angel, and In this work he eulogizes his deceased first wife, who inspired The Angel. With the book labels of collector Lafayette Butler and J.O. Edwards.

Bound in original brown cloth with some bumping and chips to spine and spine label. Interior pages show some aging but still quite clean and legible. Very good condition. 182 pages. Very Good. (#29657)

Price: $600 

Presentation Copy
First Edition

Pfeiffer, Emily.
Quarterman's Grace and Other Poems.
London: C. Kegan Paul and Co., 1879.

Scarce first edition. Presentation copy to Lewis Campbell: "Professor Lewis Campbell from his friend the author, January 17th 1879." Campbell (1830 - 1908) was a professor of Greek at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. English author, poet, and philanthropist Emily Pfeiffer (1827 - 1890) was self educated as her family did not have enough money to send her to school. Upon her death, she left most of her acquired property and assets to establish an orphanage for girls and to be used to promote women's education. This volume includes Pfeiffer's original poetry and her translations of work by the German poet, Heinrich Heine. She also reprints her poem 'Madonna Dunya,' which first appeared in 'Contemporary Review' and she defends it against the accusation that it was not an original piece, but rather a translation from a Russian saga.

Very good in original green cloth boards with gilt title to spine and front cover. Black decorative border to boards and spine. Cloth along top of both hinges is split about an inch and interior hinges are cracked. Wear and rubbing to edges, corners, and boards. The interior is clean overall with a few small spots of foxing and corrections in pen to pages 45, 47, and 113, which appear to be in the author's hand. 144 pages plus 40 pages of advertisements. Very Good. (#28982)

Price: $275 

Presentation Copy
First Edition

Powys, John Cowper.
Poems.
London: William Rider & Son, 1899.

First Edition. Inscribed by the author "L. Gesner from J.C.P." on the front free endpaper. Bookplate of Herbert Mortimer and Louise Cheney Gesner to front pastedown. John Cowper Powys (1872-1963) was an eminent English novelist, poet, critic, and philosopher. This early work was his second published book.

In original cream paper covered boards with an elaborate gilt design by Gleeson White. The spine is browned and worn. Minor wear and browning to edges of boards, hinges, and corners. Interior pages have some aging to edges, an occasional pencil mark, and a pencil comment regarding one poem. 123 pages. Very good condition.  (#32696)

Price: $300 

Association Copy - Inscribed from Rossetti to his patron, Frederick Leyland
First Edition

Rossetti, Dante Gabriel.
Ballads and Sonnets.
London: Ellis and White, 1881.

First Edition. AN EXCEPTIONAL ASSOCIATION COPY. Inscribed by Dante Gabriel Rossetti: "To Frederick Leyland from his friend D.G. Rossetti 1881." Rossetti died the following year. Leyland was Rossetti's most important late patron. Frederick Leyland (1832-1892) was a Liverpool shipping magnate and major art collector. He had a collection of paintings by the Pre-Raphaelites and from artists of the Aesthetic Movement, as well as an important collection of Italian Renaissance paintings. His collection included Rossetti's “The Blessed Damozel,” “Monna Rosa Proserpine”, and “Lady Lillith.” Rossetti also painted portraits of Leyland and his wife. Other well-known works commissioned by Leyland were “The Beguiling of Merlin” by Edward Burne-Jones, and Whistler's Peacock Room, which was installed in his London house (The Peacock Room may now be seen at the Freer Art Gallery).

Bound in original green cloth with gilt flower and lattice design by Rossetti on covers and spine. There is spotting to the preliminary leaves and at the end of the book, including on the inscription page, but this does not obscure the inscription. Closed half-inch margin tear to page 327. A very nice copy in very good plus condition. Housed in a modern green cloth clamshell box. 335 pages plus one page ad. Very Good. (#26817)

Price: $3,700 

Signed

Rutledge, Archibald.
The Sonnets of Archibald Rutledge.
self published (Archibald Rutledge), 1938.

Scarce. Signed by the author on title page. American poet, Archibald Rutledge (1883 - 1973) was the first poet laureate from South Carolina. He wrote over 50 books and numerous poems, mostly about his life and experiences in South Carolina.

Bound in the original brown suede flexible covers with black title to front cover. Stapled binding. Minor chipping to edges of covers and creasing to top corners. Clean and bright. 39 pages. Very Good. (#31355)

Price: $300 

Signed by Dan Gerber
Limited to 100 Copies

[Sumac Press]
Dan Gerber, Jim Harrison, George Quasha, J.D. Reed, Charlie Simic.
Five blind men: poems by Dan Gerber, Jim Harrison, George Quasha, J.D. Reed, Charlie Simic.
Fremont, Michigan: The Sumac Press, 1969.

First edition. Number 45 of 100 numbered copies. There were also 26 lettered copies and a trade edition. This copy is signed by Dan Gerber on the half-title. Bound in grey cloth boards with gilt title to spine and front cover. Lower corners bumped, otherwise near fine, without dust jacket, as issued. Slight roll to spine. 61 pages. Near Fine. (#29984)

Price: $250 

Presentation Copy
First Edition, Private Issue

Tennyson, Frederick.
Poems of the Day and Year.
London and Chicago: John Lane and the Bodley Head and Stone and Kimball, 1895.

First Edition, Private Issue. Presentation Copy. This is the very scarce private version of Frederick Tennyson's last book. With a handwritten limitation notice on the half-title "Twenty five vellum bound copies of the first edition have been issued for private circulation, This is No. 16." It is inscribed: "To the Revd. W.B. Macleod With Capt. J. Tennyson's & the Authors Compliments Jersey Jan 1896." The recipient was the author of Frederick Tennyson: His Life and Work, published in 1896. Frederick Tennyson (1807-1898) was a poet and the older brother of Alfred Tennyson. Although a gifted poet, he was overshadowed by his brother throughout his life. Captain Julius Tennyson was the author's only son, and the book is dedicated to him and his sister, Sophia, whom Frederick called the companions of his old age.

In original vellum with gilt title and author to spine, and gilt florettes and initial "F" to front cover. The spine is darkened and the covers are soiled and bumped but still nice. In very good condition with darkening to page edges. Frontispiece photograph of Tennyson and title page design by illustrator Patten Wilson. A lovely book with a charming association. 163 pages plus tipped-in errata sheet and 16 pages of publisher ads. Very Good. (#26883)

Price: $975 

Signed, Limited to 50 Copies

Thomson, Roddy and Colin Lowe.
When I'm on the table saw at work, I grieve for you my love (Northern Love Poems).
(London): Sadie Coles HQ, (1997).

Number 29 of 50 copies. Signed by both authors on title page in pencil. A collection of fifty love poems by English artists Thomson (1966) and Lowe (1967), who are known best for their humorous and sometimes offensive installations pieces. Their work often involves recreating elements from historical artworks by using everyday objects such as cigarettes or whiskey bottles to make statements about popular English culture. Fitting with their visual art, these poems are terse, crude, and very funny. They poke fun at the seriousness of the love poetry genre with verses like: "Tonight I want you more, than any other, it's crazy I know, after you left me for, me brother." The poems are printed in black ink on fine paper and are housed in a black paper covered box titled in silver on the front panel. Unpaginated. [51 pages.] Fine. (#27692)

Price: $350 

Presentation Copy to the Author's Cousin
First Edition

Turner, Charles Tennyson.
Sonnets.
London and Cambridge: Macmillan and Co., 1864.

FIRST EDITION. PRESENTATION COPY to Louis Tennyson d’Eyncourt inscribed: “The gift of the author ... to L.T. d’Eyncourt.” The recipient was the author’s cousin and a member of the part of the family which inherited the property, fortune, and aristocratic ambitions of their grandfather. Charles was the older brother of the renowned poet Alfred Tennyson.

Very good in original green cloth boards with lightly rubbed gilt title to spine and gilt rules to front board. Minor wear to corners and edges of boards, with a few light spots of damp staining to rear board. Bump to top edge of front board. Bookplate of C.J. Sturman to front paste down. 102 pages plus 2 pages of notes. Very Good. (#21596)

Price: $350