Prufrock and Other Observations & two typed letters signed by Eliot

First Edition, First Printing. One of only 500 copies. In fine condition in near fine original wrappers, which are protected by a glassine wrapper that might have been added later on, but looks genuine. Brentano's Bookseller label at the bottom of the inside of the rear wrapper, some light browning of the paper, but no inscriptions or flaws whatsoever, a split to the spine and weak inner hinges, but still a most beautiful, spectacular, unrestored copy of one of the most fragile books - nowadays it is called a pamphlet - of one of the milestones of Modernism. Housed in a custom clamshell box. We have seen 9 copies of "Prufrock" over the last 40 years, and this is easily the best one. Cyril Connolly - The Modern Movement - 30(a). There has been a remarkable change in collectors' appreciation of this book over the last 30 years: in the 90s you could get one of the 1'000 copies of "The Waste Land" in fine condition and fine dustwrapper for much less than the price of a "Prufrock". Nowadays, the price of "The Waste Land" has skyrocketed, while "Prufrock's" has remained stable. Still, we would always prefer "Prufrock" over "The Waste Land". It has so many wonderfully memorable lines and worked its way into popular culture much more than "The Waste Land". This copy is accompanied by two typed letters signed by Eliot. Though they are not directly related to the book, they enhance the value of this copy to a great extent since they feature Eliot's later role as an editor at Faber's and his affinity to the French ("Prufrock" is dedicated to "Jean Verdenal 1889-1915" and contains a poem with the French title "Conversation Galante"): 1. Faber and Faber, London, 13th of October 1943. One page, approximately 350 words, to the art scholar Hartley Ramsden explaining at some length a delay in the publication of her essay, apparently in an anthology: "I have your letter of the 5th October and am distressed to learn the facts which you set before me. [] The delay is entirely due to circumstances arising out of the war. The available printers have limited resources and we have to have those books printed first which are needed first, and after printing there are often similar delays owing to the difficulties of the binders." The book which took precedence was "Education through Art" by Herbert Read, with whom Ramsden had been at handbags drawn the previous year in the pages of Cyril Connolly's Horizon magazine. Folded twice for mailing else in nice condition. 2. Written in Eliot's capacity as President of the Fédération Britannique des Comités de l'Alliance Française (and on their letterhead which I have not seen Eliot use before), 21st of October 1953. One page, approximately 100 words, to the historian Sir John Pollock: "I have read your letter [] with much regret, and I know that my feelings will be shared by the other members of the Council. I must submit your letter for their consideration at our next meeting, and will convey their response to you in due course. I must say, however, that your scruples about replying to notices of meetings, and your compunction at having failed to answer owing to your absences abroad, seemed to me exaggerated, and I am sure that our colleagues will agree with me in deprecating your emphasis on this point." Folded twice for mailing, short closed tear to left margin else in nice condition. It is with great sadness that we have to notify book-lovers from the USA that we cannot send you any books you might be interested in by regular post. We are forced by your current regime to use FedEx Swiss Post GmbH where prices start at CHF 60. Also, you will have to pay customs before we send any parcels to you. Please accept our apologies, but you voted for HIM, so that is where we are. Printing of the Mind of Woman or Man has become most undesirable in the USA. …