Prose and Poetry for Appreciation (1955, 2nd Ed.) with Laid-In Play Ephemera

This 1955 Second Edition in the St. Thomas More Series presents a carefully curated selection of short stories, essays, poems, and dramatic excerpts intended for mid-century Catholic secondary schools. The editors include educators from Loyola University, Campion High School, and other institutions, bridging classical works with contemporary commentary for student enrichment. Illustrations in two colors appear throughout, including relief-sculpture reproductions, classroom-style drawings, and stills from stage productions. Notably, the cover design features The Annunciation, attributed to a school of fifteenth-century Italian painters, reproduced with permission from the National Gallery of Art. The volume includes an appealing example of mid-century classroom provenance: a laid-in handwritten two-sided note, apparently belonging to a teacher or student involved in staging a school play. One side lists afternoon tasks (Wash, Play Practice, Pick up greens) along with items to procure - trellis materials, rental costumes, light bulbs, and makeup supplies. The reverse contains several names, likely cast members, as well as additional errands. This ephemeral note provides a charming window into the book's educational life and enriches the copy's historical character. Condition: Very Good. Pictorial cloth boards are clean and bright, with rubbing to extremities, minor fraying at spine ends, and light edge wear. Hinges intact; binding sound. Interior is clean aside from light pencil markings on the front endpaper. Text pages remain crisp with mild toning typical of the period. Illustrations are sharp and unmarked. Laid-in handwritten note preserved. No library markings. Edition/Printing: Stated Second Edition, 1955 copyright on verso; no additional printing statements, consistent with publisher's standard practice for a second edition issue. Printed in the United States. …