G. K. Chesterton – The Collected Poems – Signed Limited Edition – 1927

Description

A particularly fine copy of the signed limited edition of G. K. Chesterton’s The Collected Poems, published in London by Cecil Palmer in 1927.

This edition was restricted to 350 numbered copies, each signed by the author. The present example is number 335, with Chesterton’s signature appearing beneath the printed limitation statement.

The volume is an imposing and beautifully produced collection of Chesterton’s poetry, bringing together the broad range of verse for which he became known: ballads, religious poems, historical pieces, political satire, comic verse and works shaped by his fascination with English identity, Catholic thought, medievalism and popular song.

Chesterton was one of the most distinctive literary voices of the early twentieth century. Although now frequently associated with the Father Brown stories, his poetic achievement was substantial and central to his career. Works such as Lepanto, The Ballad of the White Horse and his many shorter poems demonstrate his command of rhythm, rhetoric, narrative and memorable refrain. This collected edition presents that body of work in a format deliberately designed for collectors.

The book is bound in quarter cream vellum over striking black-and-gold patterned boards. The spine is lettered in gilt:

The Collected Poems of Gilbert Keith Chesterton
Cecil Palmer

The bold abstract pattern of the boards provides an effective contrast to the pale vellum spine and gives the volume a distinctly modern decorative appearance. The text is printed on substantial laid paper, with untrimmed fore-edges retained as part of the edition’s original production.

Limitation and Signature

The limitation page states:

“This edition is limited to three hundred and fifty copies of which this is Number 335.”

The statement is followed by the author’s original signature. Signed limited editions of Chesterton remain highly desirable, particularly when retaining their original decorative bindings and surviving without the heavy soiling, rubbing, bowing or internal foxing often encountered in vellum-bound books of this period.

Condition

Very near fine condition.

Internally, the volume is exceptionally clean, fresh and firmly bound. The pages remain crisp, with no significant foxing, staining, inscriptions or annotation observed. The original binding is extremely well preserved. There is only very minor external wear and light marking, principally to the cream vellum, together with slight natural variation consistent with the material. The gilt spine lettering remains clear, the patterned boards are clean and bright, and the joints, corners and edges remain sound. A remarkably well-preserved example of a book that is frequently found with considerably more wear.

Bibliographic Details

Author: Gilbert Keith Chesterton
Title: The Collected Poems of G. K. Chesterton
Publisher: Cecil Palmer
Place of publication: London
Date: 1927
Edition: Signed limited edition
Limitation: Number 335 of 350 copies
Signature: Signed by G. K. Chesterton
Binding: Quarter cream vellum with black-and-gold patterned boards
Condition: Very near fine

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