Beschreibung
Alice Meynell was a highly respected English poet, literary critic, and suffragette. This is the 1914 second impression of her book, titled, simply, "Poems". Through perusing the contents, it is easy to see why she was so highly regarded in her time. And it was a different time. Tastes change, but even allowing for such differences through the passing decades - actually through the whole of a century! - one strongly feels the value of her poetry - filled with sentiment and observation but not sentimental or maudlin; there was a real mind at work in the creation of these poems. /// The frontispiece reproduces the handsome drawing of Alice Meynell done by renowned artist John Singer Sargent. /// This copy was presented by the members of a social club to another of their company . each person signing the book in her own hand : There are 27 signatures in all, written in a soft India ink on both sides of the second blank preliminary leaf. On the first blank preliminary page is the charming gift inscription : "With love and good wishes from everybody. Christmas 1915." The giftee, one Winifred Jay, affixed her personal bookplate to the front paste-down. Winnifred marked a few of her favorite poems in the table of contents, and a few small, neat check-marks next to favorite choices through the book. One can see that the volume was often and well read - not abused per se, but the signs of continual comfortable use are evident : there are various spots on the binding, and the rear cover has a tea-cup ring. There is, as well, weathering about the edges, and the cloth over the front joint is split along much of its length. (Please read our full condition report.) /// /// TITLE : Poems (on title page. Half-title reads "Collected Poems") AUTHOR : Alice Meynell (Alice Christiana Gertrude Meynell, 1847 - 1922) IMPRINT : Burns & Oates PLACE : London DATE : 1914 EDITION : First Edition, Second Printing (Eleventh Thousand) SPECIAL ATTRIBUTION: Frontispiece portrait by John Singer Sargent Gifted by the members of a social club with 27 individual signatures in India ink. Trade hardcover; Contains a frontispiece in monochrome with a tissue guard; 117 pages plus 2 pages promoting other works by Meynell; 5 1/2" x 7 1/2", olive drab cloth covered beveled boards with title etc lettered in gilt on spine and front board; text-block top edge gilt; fore- and bottom edges rough trimmed; /// CONDITION Exterior : Scattered spotting; a small tea cup ring displays on the rear cover; weathering along edges - most discernible on rear board; front joint is split for much of its length; color is faded; spine is darkened. Gilt lettering still fairly bright; top edge gilt is rubbed and dulled. Binding : The book has been well read and thus the text-block is not as tight as when issued, and the leaves open widely; however, no leaves are detached or loose, and the whole remains fairly solid. Interior : Considerably foxed throughout; scattered small spotting and a few small smudges (nothing egregiously blatant). the aforementioned list of signatures and the owner's bookplate. All in all an acceptable, serviceable copy, with a poignant provenance. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 96
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