The Double Image [1946 First Edition] [First Book] [Signed Association Copy to Ben Raeburn]

Levertov, Denise (1923-1997)

Published by The Cresset Press, London, 1946

About this Item

THE ORIGINS OF A POETIC REVOLUTION A superlative association copy of the poet's legendary debut. Published in London while Levertov was serving as a nurse during WWII, The Double Image is the only volume to appear under her original surname, 'Levertoff.' This copy features a remarkably warm and self-reflective inscription to Ben Raeburn, the visionary founder of Horizon Press and publisher of Frank Lloyd Wright and Allen Ginsberg. Levertov's inscription, dated 1964, provides a rare bridge between her British roots and her place at the center of the American avant-garde. KEY FEATURES +++ Literary Priority: True First Edition of the author's first book. +++ Exceptional Association: Inscribed by Levertov to Ben Raeburn: 'To Mitch's publisher-still unseen by me but none the less endeared-Ben Raeburn-from Denise, Christmas 1964. These poems . were written when I was 19, 20, 21-mental age about 14/15.' +++ Binding: Original light tan cloth with gilt spine lettering and brown title panel. +++ Dust Jacket: Housed in the original cream jacket printed in red and black-an uncommon survival for this wartime production. +++ Significance: Links the 'New Romantic' style of Levertov's youth to her later identity as a titan of American free verse. CONDITION: Near Fine in a Near Fine Jacket -- Bindings are tight and square with one small blemish at the top of the spine. The text is exceptionally clean. The original dust jacket shows light, attractive toning and minor edge handling, with a faint blemish at the crown. An 'un-messed-with' copy with impeccable provenance. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE -- Denise Levertov was the bridge between the formal traditions of Europe and the open, 'projective' verse of the Black Mountain poets. The Double Image captures her at the very start of this journey. The association with Ben Raeburn is vital; as the head of Horizon Press, Raeburn was a primary architect of the mid-century New York literary scene. This volume serves as a documentary record of the professional and personal affection shared among the 'publishers and poets' who defined post-war American letters. SUBJECTS: 20th Century Poetry, Black Mountain Poets, Women Writers, New York Literary Scene, Horizon Press, Association Copies, Poetry, Modernism.

Seller Inventory # 21198

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Double Image [1946 First Edition] [First Book] [Signed Association Copy to Ben Raeburn]
• Publisher: The Cresset Press, London
• Publication Date: 1946
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Signed: Signed
• Seller catalogs:
  • LITERATURE [Many Sub-Catagories]