Poems
1917, the second printing of Edward Thomas's first collection of poetry
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
First edition, second printing. Hardback, in paper covered boards and title label to spine. 19.5 × 13cm, 63pp + 2pp ads, Frontispiece portrait of Edward Thomas after a photograph by Duncan Williams.
Edward Thomas's first book of poetry, his verse having been previously published in anthologies under the pseudonym Edward Eastaway, and published in the same year as his death at Arras on the Western Front at Easter, 1917. The book has a printed dedication to American poet Robert Frost, who persuaded Thomas to write poetry, and Frost's The Road Not Taken was a pivotal moment in Thomas's decision to enlist.
The book contains 64 poems, including Adlestrop, Lob, In Memoriam, The Team's Head-Brass, What Shall I Give?, Thaw, and Tall Nettles (I like the dust on the nettles, never lost / Except to prove the sweetness of a shower.)
Condition
Fair condition only. The boards are heavily rubbed, with some damp staining around the joints, and a small section (less than 1cm) loss to the base of the spine (this is tucked in the book). The title page has some water staining to the edges, and the tissue guard for the frontispiece is tearing where bound in. The inner binding is pulled (no pages are loose) but it remains a good reading copy of this enduring collection.
Price
£40.00
