The Oxford Book of English Verse

Arthur Quiller-Couch

Published by The Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1918

About this Item

A finely bound copy of Arthur Quiller-Couch's noted poetry anthology with fascinating provenance. From the library of 20th century socialite, and patron of arts, Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie. In a Bumpus binding, with J&E Bumpus binder's stamp to the verso of front endpaper.From the library at Julians Park, the former home of Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie (Audrey Evelyn James Coats, and Audrey Evelyn James Field). Pleydell-Bouverie was the youngest daughter of an Anglo-American lumber and steel millionaire. Audrey was also alleged to be the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward VII, although she was also rumoured to be his daugher, or the lover of King Edward VIII. She bought Julians Park in 1940 following her third marriage to the Hon Peter Pleydell-Bouverie. Audrey was a patron of the arts and it is believed that she bound several books herself, as many books from her library were stamped with her name and she owned a group of bookbinding tools. Her circle of friends included Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel and Nancy Mitford. She was featured in Cecil Beaton's 'Book of Beauty' and was regarded as one of the Bright Young Things.With a gift inscription to the recto of front endpaper, 'To Audrey who at the close of a season which her more than adorable presence has produced unusually hectic, Retires to the country bearing with her amongst other things ___ from remarks and the affectionate admiration of the writer this ridiculously inadequate memento is humbly offered. July 1921 C.Pleydell-Bouverie, then Coats, has marked several poems to this work which are relevant to the different stages of her life. They mostly relate to the loss of her child. For example, to the front endpaper she has written '1015 Peter Coats Poem 837', and the same to the half-title. Poem 837 is 'On a Dead Child' by Robert Bridges. Above this poem Audrey has written the name of her infant son, Peter Coats, who died at just a few days old. She has written in pencil 'Peter 17/02/23, 20/02/23' to the top of the page.To the verso of front endpaper is written 'No 326 for what reason?' and this poem is "The Constant Lover" by Sir John Suckling. To the half title is also written 'The Parting' which is poem 117. This poem is on page 162 and discusses the loss of a relationship and loved one. To the verso of front endpaper is written '576 SRE', this poem is called 'Finis' and also deals with death. Inside a pencil circle to the verso of front endpaper is written '617 DM 472'. Poem 617 is titled 'Remorse' and poem 472 is titled 'An Epitaph'. To the front free endpaper Audrey has also made a note of poem 78 which is another poem regarding death titled 'The Conclusion' by Sir Walter Raleigh. Audrey has also written 'If Only' and a note highlighting the Swinburne poem to page 985 which discusses the afterlife.A smartly bound copy of this work, which was an important and personal copy to it's former owner Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie. In a half morocco binding, with cloth covered boards. Externally, very smart. Light fading to the spine. Minor shelfwear to the joints and extremities. Page 353 is torn to the centre of the page, with part of the leaf detached but present. Otherwise, internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Former owner's inscriptions in pencil throughout the work. Lengthy gift inscription to the recto of front endpaper. Very Good. Seller Inventory # 797L8

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Oxford Book of English Verse

Publisher: The Clarendon Press, Oxford

Publication Date: 1918

Binding: Fine Binding

Illustrator: None

Condition: Very Good

Book Type: book