{"product_id":"west-strand-visions-james-simmons-1st-edition","title":"West Strand Visions, James Simmons — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e Belfast, Blackstaff Press, 1974\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 8vo, pp. 72.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Good. The binding remains structurally sound and tight without spine lean, but the original pictorial wrappers show clear signs of historical dampstaining. Distinct tide marks are present along the top and bottom margins of both the front and rear covers, with the rear panel also exhibiting mild foxing and surface soiling. The spine is lightly toned with gentle rubbing to the extremities. Internally, the text block is predominantly clean and bright, though the page extremities reflect minor ripples from the external moisture exposure. Contains a previous ownership signature (\"W. COLHOUN.\") in black ink to the upper corner of the half-title page, but is otherwise free of internal markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e First edition of this collection of poetry by Northern Irish poet James Simmons, issued in the publisher's original pictorial paper wrappers. The copyright page confirms this as the true 1974 first printing published by Blackstaff Press.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Simmons’s works are celebrated within Irish literary circles, original 1974 first printings of \u003ci\u003eWest Strand Visions\u003c\/i\u003e are uncommon on the open market. This particular copy carries a standard prior ownership signature, adding a mild layer of provenance, and stands as an accessible reading copy of an important 1970s Ulster poetry collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eWest Strand Visions\u003c\/i\u003e, Northern Irish poet James Simmons delivers a masterful blend of classical meditations and contemporary folk songs that speak directly to the human condition. Renowned for his emotional directness and lively approach to verse, Simmons was a central figure in Belfast's literary renaissance. This 1974 collection traverses a broad thematic landscape, from reimagined fairy tales to the gritty realities of Belfast, securing his reputation as one of the most engaging poets of his generation. A compelling volume, it stands as a testament to poetry’s enduring ability to echo the heartbeat of a community.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54552364515667,"sku":"4990","price":27.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260809_181824.jpg?v=1786443029","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/west-strand-visions-james-simmons-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}