Description
The first edition, first issue of Milton: Annual Lecture On A Master Mind, published in 1947, from the private library of the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, John Betjeman.
Octavo, 19pp, [1]. Publisher’s printed wrappers, title printed in black, sewn covers. No additional printings mentioned. Previous ownership blind stamp on cover. Booksellers label on front endpaper. (Gallup A49)
Signed “J. Betjeman” along top edge of the introductory statement.
This work was published in a small print run of 500 copies on October 23, 1947, and followed by another printing in 1948. It was never published in the United States. The recipient of this copy, John Betjeman (1906-1984) served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1972-1984. He was founding member of the Victorian Society and became a notable figure on British television later in life.
