A Book of Both Sorts: Selections from the Verse and Prose of John Masefield

£55.00

A Book of Both Sorts: Selections from the Verse and Prose of John Masefield

Name: A Book of Both Sorts: Selections from the Verse and Prose of John Masefield
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4811
Price: 55.00 GBP
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A Book of Both Sorts: Selections from the Verse and Prose of John Masefield, John Masefield — First Edition

Publication: London, William Heinemann Ltd, 1947

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 287.

Condition Report: Very Good. This copy presents exceptionally well for its age, housed in the original publisher's blue cloth which remains remarkably bright and vibrant, successfully avoiding the heavy sun-fading often seen on postwar Heinemann editions. The binding remains firm, tight, and completely square, demonstrating that the book has been handled with considerable care over the decades. There is only very marginal shelf-wear, largely confined to faint bumping at the spine extremities and negligible rubbing to the corner tips. The text block edges display the expected, mild age-toning and occasional scattered foxing, while the interior leaves remain generally clean, crisp, and supple. A solid, highly attractive example of a postwar production.

Catalogue Note: This is a True First Edition, indicated by the "FIRST PUBLISHED 1947" statement upon the copyright page.

The book is significantly elevated by an authentic authorial presentation inscription to the front free endpaper, penned in dark blue ink: "For Diana Somerville, from John Masefield. Sept r. 23. 1947." As John Masefield was the reigning Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom at the time of publication, inscribed material from this era holds particular literary significance. The dating of the inscription to September 1947, the very year of publication, indicates it was signed closely around the time of the book's initial release.

Copies bearing genuine, contemporary presentation inscriptions by Masefield are scarce and actively sought after by collectors of 20th-century British poetry.

A Book of Both Sorts is a broad and illuminating compilation of John Masefield's literary achievements, drawing together an eclectic selection of his poetry and prose. Showcasing the versatility of the United Kingdom's longest-serving 20th-century Poet Laureate, the collection captures Masefield's evocative maritime verses, poignant narrative poems, and incisive non-fiction essays. It serves as an excellent retrospective of his enduring legacy, highlighting the robust, rhythmic storytelling that made him one of Britain's most beloved literary figures.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: John Masefield

Book Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: Yes

Book Pages: 287

Book Publication Year: 1947

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Kingswood, Surrey, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.