CAWDOR AND OTHER POEMS - INSCRIBED TO ALBERT BENDER

New York: Horace Liveright, 1928. First Edition. Excellent association copy of this early collection of poems, inscribed to Albert M. Bender of San Francisco, "the most active buyer - and donor - of the work of California artists the state had ever known" (Harlow, Ann. "Albert Bender, Artists' Patron Saint," 2008). Bender had a great affinity for fine printing and poetry, and was a patron of Jeffers's work from the very beginning of his career. Over the years, the two became close friends, correspondants, and traveling companions; after Jeffers's death, Bender, together with Una Jeffers, played an important role in cementing his friends poetic legacy. Broomfield A9.b; Alberts 55. First Printing, trade issue, one of 1,900 copies. Octavo (21.5cm); mottled brown paper-covered boards and polished black cloth backstrip, with titling and decorations stamped in gilt on spine and front cover; black topstain; dustjacket; 160pp. Warmly inscribed in the month of publication on the front endpaper: "To our dear Albert Bender. His friend, Robinson Jeffers." Beneath his signature Jeffers has transcribed eight lines from the final poem, "Meditation on Saviors," found on pp.159-160: "...they are able then to be still and not cry. / And having touched a little of the beauty and seen a little of the beauty of things, magically grow / Across the funeral fire of the hidden stench of burial themselves into the beauty they admired, / Themselves into the God, themselves into the sacred steep unconsciousness they used to mimic..." (page 160) / Tor House, Carmel / November, 1928." Inscribed by Bender at a later date on the front pastedown: "I pass this on to my dear friend, Paul Herzog, with much affection. / Albert M. Bender." Lower corners gently tapped (though still sharp), a few faint spots to backstrip, else very Near Fine. Dustjacket is unclipped (priced $2.50), gently spine-sunned and lightly edgeworn, with a few tiny nicks to crown, and a few neat splits along front joint discreetly and archivally strengthened on verso; Very Good or better. Housed in a handsom quarter morocco slipcase and chemise.