The Fairground Poet, George Mackay Brown — 1st Edition, Limited
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Publication: Lastingham, North Yorkshire, The Celtic Cross Press, 2007
Formatting: 8vo, pp. [ca. 16]. Original printed card wrappers.
Condition Report: Near Fine. The original sand-colored card wrappers remain exceptionally clean and bright, exhibiting sharp, uncreased yapp edges and no discernible fading, soiling, or shelf-wear. The sewn binding is securely tight, maintaining the structural integrity of the pamphlet perfectly. Internally, the heavy-stock pages are pristine, devoid of any foxing, thumbing, or toning. The striking multi-colored linocut frontispiece retains deep, vibrant pigmentation. An outstanding, fresh copy.
Catalogue Note: A beautiful limited edition of George Mackay Brown's The Fairground Poet, published by the acclaimed Celtic Cross Press in 2007. Operating out of Lastingham, North Yorkshire, the press was renowned for its exquisite letterpress productions, frequently championing the works of the esteemed Orcadian poet. This edition, strictly limited to 145 copies, is enriched by the striking linocut artwork of the press's proprietor, Rosemary Roberts, who signed this limitation.
While the text bears a copyright date of 1977 from the George Mackay Brown Estate, this 2007 publication stands as a First Edition Thus, representing the poem's debut in this elevated private press format. Included loosely within the volume are two small printed greeting cards from the publisher, offering the message "MAY CHRIST'S LOVE BRING YOU PEACE." Furthermore, an erratum slip correcting the printed ISBN is tipped in on the copyright page. Celtic Cross Press titles are celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship and remain highly sought-after on the open market, particularly in such unimpeachable condition.
Originally penned in the late 1970s, The Fairground Poet reflects George Mackay Brown’s enduring fascination with the spiritual and the communal, capturing the rugged, mythic essence of island life. Brought to vivid life through Rosemary Roberts’s masterfully crafted linocut illustrations, this slim, finely printed volume marries the poetic resonance of a Scottish literary giant with the artisanal elegance of the Celtic Cross Press. It is a vital and aesthetically stunning addition to any collection of modern poetry or fine press books.
Book Condition: Near Fine
Book Authors: George Mackay Brown
Book Publisher: The Celtic Cross Press
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Poetry
Book edition: First Edition and Limited Edition
Signed: Yes
Book Pages: 16
Book Publication Year: 2007
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Original Printed Card Wrappers
Illustrator: Rosemary Roberts
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Lastingham, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| 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. |
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