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1917 Aphorisms on Authors and Their Ways; With some General Observations on the Humours, Habits, and Methods of Composition of Poets - Good, Bad, and Indifferent
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Description
Author's Presentation Copy, First Edition, Publishers' Original Binding, Scarce, Signed, With Letter
A first edition of this brilliant collection of aphorisms on authors and their ways, diligently collected from Samuel Johnson's 'Lives' by Augustine Birrell, a politician and author, noted for his humorous essays. The only edition ever printed, limited to one hundred copies.
The author's presentation copy, inscribed to 'M. N.' in 1918. Signed A. B., with corrections added in pencil throughout by the author. Loosely inserted, a letter by the author dated 1918 written before the end of the Great War:
"Mr. N. Nathan
I am afraid you are terribly busy (under the [..] Man Hodge) and I certainly am terribly lazy - and consequently we haven't met and indeed I see no very chance of any improvement in my habits or their consequences. I am no conscious of war having improved. We run our course from the trench on the hillside to the front sea - In proof of my existence I enclose a privately printed book [...]. I can cheerfully commend as a bedside tonic, skilfully prepared for the patient's use."
From the library of John Denham Austin.
Condition
in the original publisher's binding over paper covered boards. Externally very smart with minor shelf wear only and some bumping to the head and tail of the spine and extremities, as well as a minor handling marking to the rear board. With some sunning to the spine. Loosely inserted, a letter inscribed by the author dated 1918. Inscribed by the author to the half title, "to N. M.,' dated 1918 and signed. From the library of John Denham Austin. Internally, firmly bound. With the author's corrections in pencil throughout, otherwise the pages are bright and clean.
Very Good
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