[Ariel Poems, New Series, comprising:] The Cultivation of the Christmas Tree; Mountains; Christmas Eve; Nativity; The Other Wing; Sirmione Peninsula; Prometheus, and The Winnowing Dream by ELIOT, T. S.; C. Day Lewis; Walter De La Mare; W. H. Auden; Edwin Muir; Louis MacNeice; Roy Campbell; Stephen Spender - 1954

London: Faber and Faber, 1954. First Edition. Stiff Wrappers. Fine. Complete Set of Eight of these illustrated poems, four with original, unused printed envelopes for posting. Slim 8vo (214 x 138mm): 4pp (including full-page colored illustration and in-text drawings). Pastel-colored stiff wrappers lettered in black, sewn bindings. All eight volumes in Fine condition (virtually pristine); about Fine envelopes. Scarce as a set. Originally commissioned by Faber and Gwyer for the Christmas gift market (intended as holiday cards) from 1927 to 1931 (First Series; please see our separate listing). Each pamphlet consisted of a single previously unpublished poem by a major writer, with a decorated cover and a colored illustration by a well-known or talented younger artist. The poets were asked to write verses either relating to Christmas or on a topic appropriately seasonal. Beginning with Thomas Hardy, the series included verse from both established literary figures and newer voices. The series was reinstituted for one year only (1954) with our (New Series) set of larger-formatted pamphlets. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.)2.