A Primer of Kymric Literature, David James (Defynnog) — 1st Edition

£42.50

A Primer of Kymric Literature, David James (Defynnog) — 1st Edition

Name: A Primer of Kymric Literature, David James (Defynnog) — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6234
Price: 42.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: Cardiff, The Educational Publishing Co. Ltd, 1913

Formatting: 8vo.

Condition Report: Good. The maroon cloth boards remain firmly attached and square, showcasing bright, unoxidised gilt tooling of the Prince of Wales feathers to the upper board; however, the book's overall grade is limited to Good primarily due to significant sunning to the spine, which has faded to a tan hue. Further justifying this grade, the spine exhibits light bumping to the head and tail alongside a visible rectangular shadow at the foot, evidence of a removed library shelf label. The board corners present minor rubbing but remain relatively sharp. Internally, the text block is sound and the binding is tight. The front endpapers bear the unmistakable hallmarks of institutional circulation: an armorial 'Fide et Virtute' bookplate on the pastedown, and prominent blue 'St. Deiniol's Library Hawarden' stamps with a purple 'Cancelled From' overstamp on the free endpaper.

Aside from these library marks and typical mild age-toning, the pages remain largely clean and unmarked, culminating in a robust and well-preserved ex-library copy.

Catalogue Note: This First Edition of David James's primer is particularly notable for its status as an author's presentation copy. The front free endpaper bears the ink inscription: "With the author's best wishes, D.J., 26.3.1920," attributing it directly to James (who wrote under the bardic name 'Defynnog').

Adding a rich layer of Welsh academic history, the volume boasts distinguished institutional provenance. It carries the stamps of St. Deiniol's Library in Hawarden, the renowned residential library founded by William Gladstone, complete with a subsequent "Cancelled From" overstamp that formalises its deaccession. This is accompanied by an armorial bookplate to the front pastedown bearing the motto "Fide et Virtute."

While unsigned reading copies of this text occasionally surface, signed presentation copies featuring such prominent institutional Welsh provenance are scarce on the open market.

Authored by David James under the revered bardic name 'Defynnog', A Primer of Kymric Literature serves as an accessible yet authoritative gateway into the rich heritage of the Welsh literary tradition. Featuring a preface by the distinguished Celtic scholar Sir Edward Anwyl, the volume acts as a vital historical guide to the poetry, prose, and theatrical works that have fundamentally shaped the cultural identity of Wales. Today, it remains a fascinating artifact of early twentieth-century Welsh scholarship and an enduring resource for students of Celtic languages and literary history alike.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: David James (Defynnog)

Book Publisher: The Educational Publishing Co. Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Criticism & Essays

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: Yes

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1913

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Cardiff, 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.