Four Poems (The Fish, 1911; Grantchester, 1912; The Dead, 1914 and The Soldier, 1914) : One Of 100 Special Copies : Association Copy Signed By Geoffrey Keynes And With A H/W Letter From Keynes To The Same Recipient - 1974

The First UK printing published by The Scolar Press, UK in 1974. Folio, 29 pages, tipped in portrait of Rupert Brooke, mounted facsimiles of drafts, fair copies etc. The BOOK and Slipcase are in near Fine condition in cloth covered boards and vellum spine, with gilt titling on the spine and the front board. One of 100 special copies (out of a total edition of 500 copies) with the 17 facsimiles specially mounted, in a special binding and signed in brown ink by Sir Geoffrey Keynes to the limitation page as issued. This copy is unnumbered and is noted as 'Out of Series'. A very sharp copy. It has also been inscribed by Keynes on the first blank end-paper, in the same brown ink : 'for Jon Stallworthy, from the editor (Kt)'. Loosely inserted is a H/W letter (dated near publication) from Keynes (in the same brown ink) to the same recipient : 'Dearest Jon, I hope you approve of this - except they they have made me a Knight of the Thistle on the TP. I never saw a proof of this.' Keynes is referring to the fact that the printers have placed the initials 'KT' after his name on the title page. KT' refers to the distinguished and elite 'Knight of the Thistle order which he had not be made ! He had been simply knighted. Jon Stallworthy was a professor of English at Oxford University and is known for his work on WW1 poetry. Also accompanied by the standard trade edition which is in VG++ condition. An interesting association copy. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.