DOWSON, Ernest (1867-1900) - photo 1
DOWSON, Ernest (1867-1900) - photo 2

DOWSON, Ernest (1867-1900)

Lot 101
13.02.2025 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
ID 1362987
Lot 101 | DOWSON, Ernest (1867-1900)
Estimate value
£ 10 000 – 15 000
DOWSON, Ernest (1867-1900)
Verses. London: Leonard Smithers, 1896.
Remarkable copy of the first edition, one of thirty on Japanese paper, inscribed by Dowson with an autograph poem dedicated to the River Aven in France, with a second dedication by the publisher Leonard Smithers. Dowson moved to France in 1895 having contracted tuberculosis in London, and moved between Paris and Pont-Aven. The early realisation that he would probably die young necessarily contributed to the disorder of his life after 1896, but its impact is best appreciated in his writing from this time, where death becomes an explicit and persistent preoccupation. While this period was darkened by penury, illness, and depression, it also witnessed the publication of this, his epoch-making first book of poems, and the subsequent reinvention of his lyrical style, influenced by the painters of the Pont-Aven School. He died of tuberculosis at the age of 32. One of the fin-de-siècle decadents, Dowson wrote fragile, sensuous poetry voicing regret for the passing of youth and beauty, the denial of love, and the rejection of pleasure.

Small quarto (201 x 148mm). Number 6 of 30 copies on Japanese paper, numbered in ink by the publisher, title printed in red and black (light age toning, occasional mark or spot, early autograph erased from ffep). Original publisher's Japanese vellum over boards, gilt to a design by Aubrey Beardsley, untrimmed (spine a little darkened, rebacked and laid down, sides a bit soiled, edges rubbed); in vellum folding case, gilt to the same Beardsley design, by T Lloyd. Provenance: autograph poem ‘to The River Aven’ on fly in purple ink — dedication by Leonard Smithers on pastedown 'To [erased name] this book the author givest thee, But has not paid its price to me. Leonard Smithers its publisher, 25 January 1898' — J. O. Edwards (bookplate) — Peter Mendes (bookplate) — Barry Humphries (1934-2023; bookplate).
Auction house category:Books, Books and manuscripts
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
13.02.2025 – 13.02.2025
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
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Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase

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