English Churches : Inscribed By John Betjeman : A Presentation Copy

The First UK printing published by Studio Vista Ltd, London in 1964. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition with just light pushing at the spine tips and a little bumping to the lower edges. A little light spotting to the prelims. The WRAPPER is complete and is in Very Good++ or better condition. Light edge-wear with a tiny area of lifting of the laminate at the upper front spine fold. Some inevitable fading of the red colouring of the spine colouring. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. A presentation copy, boldly inscribed on the front blank end paper: 'To darling Billa [ie Billa Harrod] of Holt from her Diss lover John B., Diss 1964 '. With Harrod's bookplate to the front pastedown. A wonderful presentation copy. Wilhelmine 'Bella' Harrod was Betjeman's one-time fiancee and noted architectural conservationist and champion of Norfolk's medieval churches. The book is a comprehensive pictorial survey of English churches, illustrated with over two hundred and fifty photographs selected, introduced and captioned by Betjeman and including nearly fifty taken by John Piper, with many more coming from Piper's personal collection, and with text by Basil Clarke. Collectible. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.