Books

First edition thus, first printing. A wonderfully appealing copy: lifted immeasurably by the presence (to title-page) of the signature of Aeronwy Thomas, the poet's only daughter (1943-2009). A brilliantly apt copy thus, and an extremely scarce find. Aeronwy Thomas was herself a writer-poet though she became best known as a translator of Italian poetry; close association copies of her father's books bearing her signature are rare. This is the uncommon reset edition from 1975, with Prefaces (1954 and 1974) by Daniel Jones. Issued without dust-wrapper in green cloth with vertical gold design to upper and lower board; green endpapers; 64 pages. Dylan Thomas's famous "play for voices" is the poet's most beloved, classic work and probably his best known publication. The poet's signature commands an extremely healthy price on any of his books. This, we feel, is a very respectable alternative - and collectable indeed with the daughter's autograph, establishing a lovely link to the great writer himself. An excellent, clean and bright copy. Fine, with a touch of light foxing to fore-edges. Loosely inserted is a picture postcard of Lower Fishguard. Daniel Jones observes how "the survival of 'Under Milk Wood' is a remarkable piece of good fortune, for it was not completed until Thomas came within a month of his death, though he had worked intermittently on the play for nearly ten years." Originally a 1954 radio drama commissioned by the BBC, it was later adapted for the stage. A film adaptation was released in 1972 starring Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole and filmed on location in Fishguard. TOGETHER WITH: Thomas-Ellis, Aeronwy: CHRISTMAS AND OTHER MEMORIES: A Daughter Remembers Dylan. (London: Amwy Press, n.d.). First edition, first printing. SIGNED to title-page (under her married name): "Aeronwy Thomas-Ellis." A brief memoir from the daughter of Dylan Thomas, and including four charming black-and-white images. 16 pages. Issued in softcover, staple-bound, pink card wrappers. Scarce indeed signed. Fine. A very appealing twin-listing to include these two signed books. Offered by D B WATERS RARE BOOKS: Professional, full-time booksellers of fine, select 1st editions, established in 1998. As befits a rare book, all dust-wrappers are housed within transparent, removable protectors. All our stock is fully guaranteed as authentic, a sample of which is presented here on this website. As long-established specialist sellers, we never stock any first edition that is devalued by serious flaws such as price-clipping, dedications, remainder dots, or owner markings, etc. Managed by David, a holder of a Masters degree in Modern Fiction from the UEA, and published author by Nightjar Press. Contact us for friendly assistance in building your collection of modern highlights.