WODWO.
London: Faber & Faber, (1967). First edition. Prize-winning poet Anthony Hecht's copy with his ownership signature on the front endpaper. A PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED by Hughes, "To Tony/ in Memoriam/ from Ted/ 13 July 1967." This was Hughes first book of poems after wife Sylvia Plath's death from suicide in 1963 -- we assume the "in Memoriam" is for her, as she and Hecht were very close friends, which is clearly indicated by her intimate letters to him. Plath and Hecht met while both were teaching at Smith College (1956-1962), where Hughes also taught. After Plath's death, Hughes and Hecht continued to be friends and each man went on to win numerous awards and to become the Poet Laureate of their country. Ted Hughes was known to greatly admired Hecht, calling him "one of the most accomplished of his extremely accomplished generation." The book is crisp and fine with only very minor wear; in a near fine, lightly age-toned dust jacket with slightly darkened spine and a few tiny nicks. An early, important association copy between two poets who went on to become highly esteemed in each other's countries as well as their own. IMPORTANT ASSOCIATION COPY.
Item #53612
Price: $2,500.00