Binyon's first collection of war poems, and includes the first book appearance of 'For the Fallen'

Binyon, Laurence ~ The Winnowing Fan – Poems On The Great War : With The Scarce Wrapper

Elkin Mathews, London : 1914

The First UK printing published by Elkin Mathews, London in 1914. The BOOK is in Very Good++ condition Octavo. Original green cloth with gilt titling to the spine and the front. A hint of pushing at the extreme spine tips. Some spotting within and light offsetting to the end-papers due to the quality of the paper stock used. Free from inscriptions and erasures. The WRAPPER is complete and is in Very Good++ or better condition. A little toned, faintly marked, and with a some light rubbing to the extremities. A very small closed tear to the upper front spine fold, but nonetheless an exceptional condition copy for its age. 'The Winnowing-Fan' was Binyon's first collection of war poems, and includes the first book appearance of 'For the Fallen' (which made its first appearance in 'The Times 21 September 1914'), which is often recited at Remembrance Sunday services and has become one of the most famous memorial poems of the Great War, perhaps of all wars. Binyon wrote this, his most famous work having been moved by the casualties of the British Expeditionary Force in 1914. In 1915, he had volunteered as a hospital orderly in France and afterwards worked in England, helping to take care of the wounded of the Battle of Verdun. He wrote further about these experiences in ‘For Dauntless France’. After the war, he continued his career at the British Museum, writing numerous books on art. An exceptional example with the very rare wrapper. I can see no auction records for copies with wrapper appearing in the last 40 years. Collectible.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Very Good++
JACKET: Very Good++