Item #409204 The Twymans. A Tale of Youth. Henry NEWBOLT.
The Twymans. A Tale of Youth
The Twymans. A Tale of Youth
Dedication Copy

The Twymans. A Tale of Youth

Edinburgh: William Blackwood and Sons, 1911. From the Bart Auerbach Collection. 8vo. Original blue cloth. With a 64-page publisher's catalogue inserted at end. . Endpaper cracked at rear inner hinge, but a very good copy. Item #409204

First edition. The dedicatee Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch's copy. The printed dedication to him is in the form of a three-page letter/preface. On both sides of the front free endpaper Quiller-Couch has written a reply (dated "The Haven...25 Sept. 1911"): "My dear Newbolt - I was proud when I read the Dedication: it brought back something of the flutter of opening one's first book. And I am prouder now after reading the story. I don't greatly mind your putting me into a crimson waistcoat, tho' I never possessed one.. but why - O why plush?" "Q" continues with an appreciation of Newbolt's novel (referring to Kipling and Henry James along the way), gives a few bits of personal news, and concludes: "Well, I repeat, you have made me proud. May the Gods do well with the book, and better with you... " In a postscript he mentions The Oxford Book of English Verse, which he edited: "Someday you shall give me leave to represent you better than I did o=in that compilation."

Sir Henry Newbolt (1862-1938) is best remembered for his stirring ballads, particularly of the sea, including "Vitai Lampada" (1892) with its last line, "Play up! Play up! And play the game!" that inspired so many British soldiers in the Great War. With a photocopy of an ALS from "Q" to Newbolt, dated Sept. 3, 1911, accepting the dedication ("Why to be sure you do me proud"). (BA).

Price: $750.00