MACDONALD, George.

£6,500 · Offered by Peter Harrington · No longer available

Within and Without: a dramatic poem. First edition of the author's first book, presentation copy to Charles Kingsley, inscribed by MacDonald in ink at the head of the title: "The Reverend Charles Kingsley With much honour from George MacDonald". An excellent association copy, bringing together the only two significant writers of Christian fantasy in the Victorian period. Kingsley recognized the newcomer's talent immediately, writing back to MacDonald in approbation after receiving this copy (see Robert Lee Wolff, George MacDonald; the Golden Key). Though demonstrating that MacDonald had obvious failings as a dramatist, the book announced his lyrical talent and won, as well as Kingsley's approval, "the appreciation of Tennyson and the intense admiration of Lady Byron, who became at once one of MacDonald's closest friends and supporters" (ODNB).

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.