Jim's Book.

£6,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

major association copy of the author's first book First edition of the author's first book, privately printed by his father when Merrill was just 16 years old. Inscribed by the author to his lover, Peter Gillis, on the front free endpaper: 'for little Peter Gillis / on his FIRST BIRTHDAY / from the teenage author / James Merrill / 1942 - 1993 / Stonington'. Gillis, born in 1941, was one year old at the time of the book's publication, making this a rather charming and playful inscription from 67 year-old Merrill to his 52 year-old lover. First edition, sole printing, inscribed by the author; 8vo; internally fine; original red cloth-backed grey boards, titles to front board gilt, red topstain, with the original glassine jacket, front panel with loss to bottom edge and closed tear to top edge, a few nicks to extremities; a superb copy in the slightly worn original glassine jacket.

• Binding: Hardcover

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