Books

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1923. First Edition. Hardcover. Very good +. Octavo, 140pp. A crisp, clean copy in the first binding (yellow, white, blue and red geometric patterned boards with blue cloth spine). Wine-red topstain is fresh and rich. Corners gently worn, though much less so than usual, and the spine label evenly darkened. Altogether a pleasing example, near fine; internally appearing unread. Laid in is a [4]pp. bifold pamphlet containing the list of novels, short stories, and other books offered by Knopf for the Fall of 1923, with prices ("Harmonium" is priced at $2.00). We have handled several copies of this book, and never seen this list laid-in. A notoriously tough book to find in excellent condition, this example compares rather nicely to many. There were three bindings used in this first printing, and this is the first (one of about 500; the total printing was about 1500). Lacks the exceptionally scarce dust jacket. Edelstein A1.a.

Harmonium is the first book of poetry by American poet Wallace Stevens, published in 1923. The collection includes many of Stevens' most famous poems such as 'Sunday Morning,' 'Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird,' and 'The Emperor of Ice-Cream.' It is noted for its lush language, imaginative landscapes, and thematic richness.

First edition copies feature an error in the fourth line of the poem 'The Worms at Heaven’s Gate', where 'invisible green' is printed as 'invisible grey'.