Poems, G.K. Chesterton — 1st Edition

Name: Poems, G.K. Chesterton — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6878
Price: 55.05 GBP
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Publication: London, Burns & Oates, Ltd., 1915

Formatting: 8vo, pp. viii, 156, [8].

Condition Report: Very Good. The original red cloth binding remains remarkably sound and structurally tight, with the boards displaying only minor shelf-wear and light rubbing to the extremities. The spine is gently sunned, a common feature for this dye and era, yet the gilt lettering and decorative blind-tooled lattice design to the front board remain entirely distinct and legible. The top edge retains its original gilt, whilst the untrimmed fore and bottom edges exhibit expected, mild age-toning. Internally, the text block is highly commendable; the pages are largely crisp and bright, with only a few instances of scattered, light foxing largely confined to the preliminary leaves and the very edges of the margins. The hinges are uncracked, and the photogravure portrait frontispiece of the author, complete with its delicate tissue guard, is fully intact and well-preserved, justifying a solid, collectable grade for a wartime production.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, issued in the primary publisher's red cloth binding. The text is prefaced by an excellent frontispiece portrait of Chesterton, originating from a photograph by Hector Murchison.

Published just a year after the outbreak of the First World War, and shortly after Chesterton survived a severe period of illness, this anthology stands as a significant milestone in his bibliography. It draws together a wide variety of his lyrical outputs, from robust war verse and traditional ballades to delicate love poems and religious reflections.

Unsigned first editions in their original cloth, devoid of modern restoration and retaining their internal integrity, are increasingly uncommon on the open market, particularly in a condition that has not suffered heavy fading or fraying to the cloth spine.

G.K. Chesterton's Poems (1915) is a profound and versatile collection that captures the celebrated author's poetic mastery across a sweeping thematic range. Forged in the shadow of global conflict and personal tribulation, the volume moves effortlessly between stirring, martial verses, tender romantic lyrics, and the deeply convicted, paradoxical religious poetry for which Chesterton is so widely revered. This anthology offers a captivating, multifaceted glimpse into the philosophical and emotional landscape of a literary giant during one of the most pivotal eras in modern history.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: G.K. Chesterton

Book Publisher: Burns & Oates, Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 164

Book Publication Year: 1915

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, 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.