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First editions, first impressions, one number signed by W. W. Gibson and another possibly initialled by Lascelles Abercrombie. Four numbers comprising the complete run of New Numbers by the "Dymock Poets" are present here, together with a reprint of the first number. The periodical presents 41 poems, of which 15 are by Rupert Brooke. The majority of the poems in Brooke's 1914 and Other Poems first appeared here, including the first publication of his famous poem, "The Soldier". Keynes, in his bibliography of Brooke, notes that demand for the first number "exceeded the supply" and that a reprint was required. This set includes both first and second impressions of the first number, together with an autograph letter signed from Gibson to an unidentified recipient enclosing "another copy of No I" and regretting that "unfortunately, I am unable to send a copy of the first edition". Gibson requests that "if you should come across any more possible subscribers, will you ask them to subscribe direct to us? We make a little more on it that way." Gibson concludes with biographical information "I have been married nearly six months now; and it has been six months of solid happiness - such happiness as I scarcely thought possible. We live in a snug little thatched and half-timbered cottage". A half-title, title page and contents are provided in the final number for those who wished to bind together the separate numbers. This was frequently done, and a set in original wrappers is rare. Keynes, pp. 115-17 5 vols, octavo. Original blue-grey wrappers, front and rear wrappers lettered in black. Autograph letter signed ("Wilfrid Wilson Gibson"), to Miss [Mary] Gorrie, dated 31 May 1914, single sheet of wove paper (256 x 201 mm), written on both sides, headed notepaper ("Greenway, Ledbury"). Bookseller's label to front wrapper of numbers 2 and 3. Inscription to title page of number 1 ("To Mary Gorrie, April 1914, J. P. G."). Some light browning and soiling to wrappers, minor loss to spines, some occasional foxing, newspaper clipping ("Rupert Brooke's Poetry" on the announcement of the poet's death) with adhesive paper strip to half title of number 4; a very good set.
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