poetry

WORDSWORTH DEALS WITH HIS FINANCES  

WORDSWORTH, WILLIAM. (1770-1850) English poet and leading figure in the Romantic Age of English literature. Uncommon Autograph Letter Signed, “Wm. Wordsworth.” Two pages, quarto. Trinity Lodge, Cam[bridge]. April 23, 1828.

EXCEEDINGLY RARE INSCRIBED COPY OF HENRIK IBSEN’S ‘LADY INGER OF OSTRAT’  —  CHOICE  PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY IBSEN TO POET AUGUST FRESENIUS

IBSEN, HENRIK.  (1828-1906).  Norwegian playwright, director, and poet;  viewed as one of the founders of Modernism in theater.  His book: Die Herrin von Oestrot : Historisches Schauspiel in funf Aufzuugen.  Unter Mitwirkung von Emma Klingenfeld veranstaltete deutsche Originalausgabe der Fru Ingerd til Oestrot. Munich.   Theodor Ackermann, 1877. Small octavo.  [5 ¾ x 7 inches approximately], 171 pages. Original printed blue-green wrappers, browned around the edges/margins, and showing offset from ‘sunning’. A very good copy, that is internally fine.  First edition, presentation copy inscribed by Ibsen to August Fresenius. 

STUART MERRILL ON TO GUSTAVE KAHN ABOUT KAHN’S WIFE AND: “HER CONVERSION TO JUDAISM…[A REPLY] TO THE IGNOMINIES AND HYPOCRISIES OF MODERN CHRISTIANITY”

MERRILL, STUART.  (1863-1915).  American poet; known for Petits Poemes d’Automne, Les Fastes, and other works.  Uncommon Autograph Letter Signed, “Stuart Merrill”, in French.  Three pages, octavo.  “53 Quai de Bourbon”, [Paris],

LAURENCE BINYON  —  A FINE, REVEALING ARCHIVE OF 6 LETTERS   —

‘I AM ABOUT TO BRING OUT A TRANSLATION OF DANTE’S PURGATORIES IN TRIPLE RHYME; AND I WONDER IF A PAPER ON THIS AND ON THE PROBLEM OF TRANSLATING DANTE WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE? ‘

‘AS I CAN’T SELL MY OWN POEMS, I DON’T SUPPOSE ANY RECOMMENDATION OF MINE IS LIKELY TO SELL ANYBODY ELSE’S’

BINYON, LAURENCE.  (1869-1943).  British poet and art critic;   best known for his poem “For the Fallen,” written at the onset of World War I; Binyon also wrote and translated verse drama and worked as an art historian. Fine group of six Autograph Letters Signed, “Laurence Binyon”, on his imprinted Westridge Farm House, Streatley, Berks. Telephone: Goring 100 stationery.  Eight total pages, octavo.  Berkshire, England, May 27, 1938 to March 30, 1939.  Very fine condition.

E.E. CUMMINGS  — “ONE OF THE VERY FEW  /  ’YOUNGER AMERICAN WRITERS’  WHO  /  DESERVES TO BE CALLED A POET…”

CUMMINGS, E(DWARD) E(STLIN).  (1894-1962).  American poet.  Uncommon Typed Letter Signed, “E.E. Cummings”, in red crayon, written in the style of his poetry.  One page, quarto.  “4 Patchin Place, New York City, 11”, May 16, 1955.  Very fine condition.  To “Dear Miss Nicolson”. 

MARIANNE MOORE TO VIVIENNE KOCH

MOORE, MARIANNE.  (1887-1972).  American poet.  Typed Letter Signed, “Marianne”, on her imprinted 260 Cumberland Street, Brooklyn 5, New York stationery.  One page, octavo.  New York, April 13, 1954. 

PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY  — AN EXCESSIVELY-RARE PARTLY-PRINTED CHECK SIGNED,  FROM THE GREAT ENGLISH POET OF THE ROMANTIC MOVEMENT

SHELLEY, PERCY BYSSHE. (1792-1822). English poet of the Romantic movement. Excessively-rare Partly-Printed Check Signed, ”Percy Bysshe Shelley”. One page, oblong octavo. London, April 11, 1816.