Eliot, T.S. Prufrock and Other Observations

Eliot, T.S. Prufrock and Other Observations & two typed letters signed by Eliot
 
London: The Egoist LTD (Oakley House, Bloomsbury Street), 1917. First Edition, First Printing. One of only 500 copies. In fine condition in fine original wrappers, which are protected by a glassine wrapper that was probably added later on. Brentano’s Bookseller label at the bottom of the inside of the rear wrapper, some light browning of the paper, but no inscriptions or flaws whatsoever, a split to the spine and weak inner hinges, but still a most beautiful, spectacular, unrestored copy of one of the most fragile books – nowadays it is called a pamphlet – of one of the milestones of Modernism. Housed in a custom clamshell box.

There has been a remarkable change in collectors’ appreciation of this book over the last 30 years: in the 90s you could get one of the 1’000 copies of The Waste Land in fine condition and fine dustwrapper for less than the price of a Prufrock. Nowadays, the price of The Waste Land has skyrocketed, while Prufrock’s has remained stable. Still, we would always prefer Prufrock. It has so many wonderfully memorable lines and worked its way into popular culture much more than The Waste Land.
 
This copy is accompanied by two typed letters signed by Eliot. Though they are not directly related to the book, they enhance the value of this copy to a great extent since they feature Eliot’s later role as an editor at Faber’s and his affinity to the French (Prufrock is dedicated to “Jean Vernal – 1989-1915” and contains a poem with the French title “Conversation Gallante”):
 
1.     Faber and Faber, London, 13th of October 1943. One page, approximately 350 words, to the art scholar Hartley Ramsden explaining at some length a delay in the publication of her essay, apparently in an anthology: “I have your letter of the 5th October and am distressed to learn the facts which you set before me. […] The delay is entirely due to circumstances arising out of the war. The available printers have limited resources and we have to have those books printed first which are needed first, and after printing there are often similar delays owing to the difficulties of the binders.” The book which took precedence was Education through Art by Herbert Read, with whom Ramsden had been at handbags drawn the previous year in the pages of Cyril Connolly’s Horizon magazine. Folded twice for mailing else in nice condition.
 
2.     Written in Eliot’s capacity as President of the Fédération Britannique des Comités de l’Alliance Française (and on their letterhead which I have not seen Eliot use before), 21st of October 1953. One page, approximately 100 words, to the historian Sir John Pollock: “I have read your letter [...] with much regret, and I know that my feelings will be shared by the other members of the Council. I must submit your letter for their consideration at our next meeting, and will convey their response to you in due course. I must say, however, that your scruples about replying to notices of meetings, and your compunction at having failed to answer owing to your absences abroad, seemed to me exaggerated, and I am sure that our colleagues will agree with me in deprecating your emphasis on this point.” Folded twice for mailing, short closed tear to left margin else in nice condition.


 
 Price: CHF 45’000