From the Republic of Conscience. Illustrated by John Behan. HEANEY, Seamus.

First edition, presentation copy, inscribed by Heaney on the title page to one of his closest contemporaries, the Irish poet Derek Mahon, "for Derek, with best wishes for 1986 - in friendship, Seamus, 1 January 1986". The two men were part of a small group of poets, which also included Michael Longley, that had its breakthrough in Belfast in the 1960s. They wrote several poems to one another over the years, published the joint collection In Their Element in 1977, and Heaney dedicated his 1991 collection Seeing Things to Mahon. Heaney wrote "From the Republic of Conscience" at the request of Mary Lawlor of Amnesty International Ireland, to mark International Human Rights Day. Brandes & Durkan A39. Octavo, pp. 8. Original grey card wrappers printed in black and blue, wire-stitched as issued, contents printed on grey paper. Fine.