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A Shropshire Lad, at first, sold slowly. Before the first edition had sold out it was re-published in 1898. Alfred Edward Housman would have been baffled at the widespread popularity of his verse, with a genuine modesty, setting no great store by his achievements. Housman probably enjoyed quiet satisfaction in that he brought pleasure the many, through such lines as Loveliest of Trees. Like Hardy, the knowledge that a tourist trade was burgeoning out of his verse would have pleased him less.
The American Book Club, the Heritage Press, featured the work of well known illustrators. Wilson’s pen drawings were reproduced by gravure. The artist then applied watercolour to a master and then four colour printing was employed using watercolour inks. This is a special edition of 1935.
Binding. The tall lean book was sewn on 4 Irish Linen tapes with toning end leaves. The book edges were coloured using acrylics. It was covered in deep yellow goatskin – Harmatan of Northampton. I wanted an outdoor feeling with nature colours (Earthy perhaps) of rich brown, mixed greens, with a dark blue sky, with birds over a reddy sun. I added blind decoration, giving the leather panel movement and shape. It was never intended to illustrate any of the poems, but hint at Housman’s textures and perhaps capture their beauty. The binding is housed in a protective box, lined with suede. The book is titled in gold hand letters. I have kept decoration sparse and clean on the covered box.
Bound at Crispin, Ruthin North Wales. Summertime 2008.
In memory of my boyhood friends.
Price: £2350
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