Books

John Murray, London, 1954. Book. Very Good. Hardcover. Signed by Author(s). 1st Edition. The deluxe issue of the first edition, limited to just 50 numbered copies signed by the author (this being #40). Slim 8vo. vi, 95pp. Full white buckram lettered in gold at the spine. With marbled endpapers, and a gilt top edge, the others rough-trimmed. Buckram very lightly marked in two or three places, and with a tiny bump to the tip of one corner. Light superficial crease to the half-title. Pencilled former owner name to an unprinted preliminary leaf, alongside which is a pencilled note stating "from the collection of Michael Sadlier. Sothebys. 17 Nov 1958". A super copy of a most uncommon volume. No dust wrapper called for, but lacking the original unprinted tissue protector, but with a fresh sheet of acetate supplied. Thirty-four poems..

This volume is one of Betjeman's best: his view of the twist American influences have had on British life, some English nostalgia, passing gibes on the contemporary and verses about life and death.