Auden (W. H.): Selections from Poems. W. H. Auden

DESCRIPTION: No. XXXII of CL copies of the "A" edition printed and bound in red linen cloth for Europe. Another 150 copies were bound in green linen cloth ("B" edition) for the Americas. Folio size 16 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches which includes 13 poems and 21 lithographs by Henry Moore. The type was set and printed in Times Roman at the University Press, Oxford, by Vivian Ridler, Printer to the University. The Hodgkinson paper was made with the watermarks of the artist, the poet and the press by St. Cuthbert's Mill in Wells. The book was bound by Rudolf Rieser of Oberelvenich, Germany in red linen with black titling embossed in script on front cover. Separate portfolio (stiff chemise) bound with the same red linen cloth containing four additional loose lithographs by Moore. All contained in a black cloth-covered clamshell box. Book and each of the four additional loose lithographs are signed and numbered by the artist Henry Moore.____CONDITION: The book and chemise with four additional lithographs are in very fine condition. The black clamshell box has several areas of slight fading and minor rubbing on the rear panel, but all edges and corners are sharp and intact. NOTE: The round white 'spots' on the black clamshell box are photo artifact.____DISCUSSION: The Petersburg Press is a noted private press publisher of important livre d'artiste books and limited edition prints. They have worked with many of the most significant European and American Post War and Pop artists of their generation. Henry Moore was one of the most important and celebrated British artists, best known for his monumental semi-abstract bronze sculptures, usually a reclining figure. This livre d'artiste edition is an especially successful one, with Moore's lithographs dominating the pages, setting off and complementing Auden's complex verses. Moore dedicated his work to the poet's memory on hearing of his death in Austria on 29 September 1973. NOTE: This is an extremely large and heavy book which will incur an additional shipping charge domestically. International shipping cost will be capped at $80. U.S. dollars.