Mount Zion or In Touch with the Infinite.

The James Press, London., N.D. [1931]. First edition. Special issue: this being one of 100 copies identical to the ordinary issue except for the binding which is patterned paper (blue and gold quatrefoils, white background) on boards; endpapers are patterned paper of black and white on a yellow background. These copies are also signed by the author on the title-page and they were sold at a much higher price than that of the ordinary ones. Octavo. 58 pages. Numerous illustrations, some full page, from various sources, by various ''artists''. The author's scarce first book, containing twenty-one poems, published by his friend Edward James in a manner that is pure Edward James. In addition to his signature on the title-page Betjeman has inscribed the acknowledgements page, ''from John Betjeman'' and he has drawn a line to the name of Mr C.D. Fry of Batsfords whom he thanks for the loan of the illustration on page 25. The illustration in question shows drawings of eyes by an unattributed artist and accompanies the poem on the facing page which is a pastiche of a 17th century love lyric.As is usual with this book, the backstrip is defective, in this case lacking the lower third. Boards a bit darkened and rubbed at the edges. Very good.