The Wild Swans at Coole by William Butler Yeats - 1919

London: Macmillan, 1919. First trade edition of Yeats' late, great collection which includes in its title poem, one of the best loved verses in the language. Deep blue cloth with gilt decoration by Sturge Moore, pleasingly bright to the upper board, a little faded to the spine. A near fine copy with a gift inscription dating from the year of publication to the first flyleaf: 'Mynkie with love from G. Xmas 1919.' The title page is unopened, otherwise the pages are opened and near fine internally: pp[2] x, pp114 [2]. The scarce typographic dustjacket which is toned and browned is in good condition. There is a slight loss at the top and tail of the backstrip which is sunned; a small lozenge shaped hole half way down the jacket's spine and a closed tear running 8cm between the upper panel and the spine. It is very uncommon to find the dustjacket present on this title. This edition of 1500 copies follows an earlier private press edition of the Wild Swans which significantly adds to that book as originally printed by Yeats' sister. Notably the poet added 'In Memory of Major Robert Gregory' and 'An Irish Airman Foresees His Death' to this text. Please contact Christian White Rare Books Ltd for more information or images of this item 1919