LARKIN, Philip.

£1,500 · Offered by Peter Harrington · No longer available

The Brynmor Jones Library 1929-1979. First edition, signed by the author on the title page, one of 600 copies printed. "Most copies were given away to members of staff, other libraries, and friends" (Bloomfield). Written to mark the 50th anniversary of the library's opening, the book was published anonymously. Larkin is named only once in the book, in the list of librarians at the rear; underneath his photograph, the caption identifies him simply as "the Librarian".Though often characterized as the library's reluctant custodian, including by his own account, Larkin was remarkably dedicated to the job. His affection is most evident in his lyrical "Library Ode":New eyes each yearFind old books here,And new books, too,Old eyes renew;So youth and ageLike ink and pageIn this house join,Minting new coin.

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