W B Yeats 1st Edition Signed The Cutting of an Agate
The first UK edition: The Cutting of An Agate. Here were connected notes, inscribed and signed by Yeats in black ink on paper.
Original blue cloth on boards; with an attractive design and lettering in gilt by Thomas Sturge Moore. Binding tight and the spine is square. A name plate is on the inside from cover; from a precious collector and therefore neat. Clean throughout, if only for a little rubbing to the extremities and head. Better than very good indeed. First edition, first published in the UK IN 1919, some 7 years after the true first, US edition; and both thus differ considerably. The notes are approximate extracts from the text, in Yeats' hand and signed at the top; likely thus related in some way to the alteration of the 1912 UK edition.Of which change there were many. These extracts are of Yeats' meditation on the works of Homer, Blake and Spencer in particular, who were profound influence on Yeats. Containing also an error somewhat characteristic, though for that is its charm. The Spelling contained is rather a testament to the Yeats' genius.
It had been documented, especially in recent years, that Yeats did have a form of dyslexia. This made his early studies difficult-going. Yeats himself once wrote explaining this: "I had to give a while evening's work to one lesson".
And:" my father had come to think I had not all my faculties". This made for arduous revisions of his work. Several research papers have posthumously determined also difficulties with spelling, memory and self-concept. Which obstacles of life were overcome by Yeats. Line 6 of these notes reads: "expericence", and in the printed text is corrected. Much more than that, it is a unique window into a magnificent intellect. An intellect of a man whose schoolwork was reported "very poor" and yet, went on to win The Nobel Prize in literature in 1923. A BOUT CANON & RARE BOOKSELLERS. Although a relative newcomer with just over a decade of market experience. Canon & Rare carries scholarly understanding that far surpasses this. Our speciality is in fine works of art and literature. We are partnered with only a handful of standout contemporary artists.And sell original works and multiples. Our collection is wide and in it you will find modern and contemporary works, fine prints and limited editions of the likes of Lowry, Hockney and Picasso. Likewise in our book section are rare first editions of modern fiction. Ian Fleming, Agatha Christie and JRR Tolkien to name a few. If you are looking for a specific work, we are on hand to help you with our live consultation service.
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