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The first edition of this lovely poetry collection, the author's presentation copy with a touching letter tipped in, written to her friend, the painter Arthur Connor. The first edition of this work.The author's presentation copy, with a presentation slip tipped in to the recto to the front endpaper, and a letter from the author tipped in to the front pastedown, the author's envelope to the recto to the front endpaper. Envelope and letter addressed to Arthur B. Connor, Esquire, 9 Kewstoke Road, Weston-Super-Mare'.The letter reads:' July 9 1922. My dear Arthur, We have often wondered about you & your wife and Eleanor, that magic name. It is quite a long time since we had the pleasure of meeting at the Grand Hotel. I hope Mrs. Arthur Connor's courageous venture has been a great success - it must be a charming school. I am writing to ask you to accept a copy of my book of poems, just out. Sonnets from Tuscany and Other Poems by Lucia. You knew of its existence in M.S. The 'polishing' of the sonnets, the correcting of the proofs, & attending to every detail of the binding (always wrong at first + indeed over and over again) - all this gave me untold work. Then of course our illnesses + the long posts delayed the publication. But here it is! You will see that I have divided the sonnets into four sections. The first contains sonnets purely 'Tuscan'. I know you will be glad to hear I have had some quite good reviews (in Lit: Supplement, Scotsman, Aberdeen Journal, Oxford Chronicle, Nation) - One band one! In the Saturday. This critic had evidently not read the poems - except in half lines - and fills up his holes with abuse. Friends have been very kind + generous in their criticism, and I have one from a well known poet + critic, of which I am very proud! I know how you will rejoice with me when I tell you that Lily is, at last, better + stronger. For so many months after her operation she was little better - Now I trust she will go on gaining health. We have not heard of your Mother for so long, I hope she is well and stronger? And Elise? I think Fannie saw her not long since, & said she was 'prettier than ever'. Fannie leaves . for Dorset tomorrow. We wanted her so much to come to us from Mentoue instead of returning to England - When are you + your wife coming out to Florence? Are you painting a great deal now? It must feel so wonderful to paint portraits. With many kindest remembrances from us both - and please give our love to your wife. Yours very sincerely, M. E. Hunting'.Arthur Bentley Connor was a British painter.A selection of charming poems, some of which are a beautiful ode to Tuscany.Written by M. E. Hunting, under the pseudonym Lucia.Published by Basil Blackwell, the son of the Blackwell who founded the bookshop in Oxford. In the original publisher's quarter cloth binding with paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart, with some light marks to the boards. Letter tipped in to the front pastedown. Envelope and presentation slip tipped-in to the recto to the front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, with just a couple of faint handling marks. Very Good Indeed. Seller Inventory # 751P25
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