Edmund Blunden (Robert Graves) | The Waggoner and Other Poems, London, 1920, first edition, inscribed by the author

Edmund Blunden (Robert Graves)

The Waggoner and Other Poems. London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 1920

FIRST EDITION, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR, 8vo, half-title, original blue cloth, lacking dust-jacket, together with two manuscript versions of the poem "On Turning a Stone", window-mounted on card, all housed in dark blue buckram fitted case, endleaves toned, spine sunned

A fine copy inscribed by the author to his friend and fellow WW1 poet: "Alan Porter with the affectionate good wishes of his friend Edmund Blunden Nov 13 1920 ‘E wur only a labourin man the likes of me' Helpstone Methusaleh". (The recipient was the author of The Signature of Pain, London, 1930). Together with two manuscript versions of the poem "On Turning a Stone" which appears on page 18 of the book and which is dedicated in print to this book's recipient, Alan Porter. These manuscript texts reveal the collaboration between Blunden and Graves that lies behind the poem. An earlier draft of the poem entitled "Turning the Stone" is in Blunden's hand, in black ink, and extensively revised in pencil by Robert Graves. The second version is in pencil, entirely written and signed by Graves and entitled "On Turning the Stone". It is the latter version that is printed except for one word change, which was suggested by Porter (as is noted by Graves on the verso of Blunden's draft). Blunden served as an officer during the war from 1915 to 1917 and was gassed, but never wounded.