Clowns' Houses.

£1,750 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

presentation copy to her governess and companion Helen Rootham Inscribed by the author in pencil to front free endpaper, 'To Helen / With my very best love and gratitude'. This was Sitwell's third book and the fifth title in the publisher's 'Initiate Series of Poetry by Proved Hands'. Helen Rootham (1875-1938) was Sitwell's closest companion for many years. Engaged as her governess in 1903, Rootham was an aspiring poet, and translator of Rimbaud. She and Edith Sitwell set up home in Pembridge Mansions in 1914, moving to Paris when Rootham became terminally ill with cancer in 1932. First edition, inscribed by the author to Helen Rootham; 8vo; engraved initials and publisher's device at end; publisher's stiff patterned wrappers, paper label to upper cover, partial label to spine, first four leaves unopened, NPG tissue wrapper with label, overall a near-fine copy.

• Binding: Hardcover

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