BETJEMAN, John New Bats in Old Belfries

Small 8vo., publisher’s red boards, paper label to upper cover; together in the unclipped wrapper (6s. net to front flap), printed in red and black; pp. [iv], v-vi, 54; a very good to near-fine copy, pages a little toned and a touch bumped to spine tips; the wrapper with some very minor rubbing and darkening, else also near-fine.  

First edition. 

An important collection of notable poems by John Betjeman, including those dedicated to Miss Joan Hunter Dunn and to Clemency, the General’s daughter. In particular, his commitment to the protection of architectural heritage is well represented, as in ‘The Planster’s Vision’ (p. 34), in which he writes, in a rather tongue-in-cheek way: 

“Cut down that timber! Bells too heavy and strong, Pouring their music through branches bare…have pealed the centuries out with Evensong. Remove those cottages, a huddled throng! Too many babies have been born in there, Too many coffins, bumping down the stair…” 

A lovely copy.  

SKU: 1800213