Letters to Vernon Watkins

London: J.M. Dent & Sons, Ltd./Faber and Faber Ltd., 1957. This First Edition is in Fine condition with a Very Good+ dust jacket. In these letters from one poet, Dylan Thomas (October 27, 1914 - November 9, 1953) to another, Vernon Watkins (June 27, 1906 - October 8, 1967), not only does the story of a close friendship spanning many years between these two Welshmen emerge, but the reader is provided with a much deeper insight into Dylan Thomas's creative process as well as his always entertaining observations of the world around him. Vernon Watkins edited the book, as well as provided an Introduction. This particular volume has its own literary history as well. It was a gift from the older Vernon Watkins to Jane L. McCormick, a close friend, a graduate student at University of Swansea, Wales, and an ardent admirer of both Vernon's and Dylan's work. It comes from Jane's estate. Jane died after a courageous 10-year battle with breast cancer. (Although this copy is unsigned by Vernon, I am offering signed Vernon Watkins First Editions in other listings on behalf of Jane's sister.) The book is bound in a woven green cloth with die-stamped gilt spine titles. Jane's signature from "Swansea May 1967" is written on the free front endpaper. Other than that, the binding is tight and secure. The pages are clean and bright throughout. The dust has several tiny tears as well as a small chip in the spine tip area. I've placed the dust jacket into an archival Brodart protective sleeve. The book measures 5 7/8 by 8 7/8 inches and includes 145 pages, with Appendix and Index.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Very Good+. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.