The Defeat of Youth By Aldous Huxley Oxford B.H. Blackwell 1918 1st Edition SC G

Description: The Defeat of Youth & Other Poems by Aldous Huxley, First Edition Cover: wear to edges. Surface peeling at head of spine. Text block: Front free endpaper has what looks to be some residue from a peeled label. Otherwise excellent. This is an original 1918 first edition of The Defeat of Youth & Other Poems by Aldous Huxley, published by B. H. Blackwell in Oxford as part of “The Initiates Series of Poetry by Proved Hands.” This edition is one of only 500 copies printed on handmade paper, set in Dolphin old-style type and printed in two colors, offering a unique and classic aesthetic. The book features beautifully designed paper boards with a floral and foliage pattern in green and cream. A paper label on the cover includes the title, author, and publisher details, adding to its vintage charm. The book is square 12mo in size and remains uncut, reflecting its original craftsmanship. Inside, the book is marked by clean typography and a dedication to quality print, highlighting Huxley’s early poetic work. Printed at The Vincent Works in Oxford, this copy was finished in June 1918. The spine shows some minor wear, consistent with age, adding character to this nearly century-old piece. This rare collectible is perfect for Huxley enthusiasts or collectors of early 20th-century poetry. Here’s some interesting background on The Defeat of Youth & Other Poems by Aldous Huxley and specific details about this edition: 1.Huxley’s Early Work: The Defeat of Youth & Other Poems was one of Aldous Huxley’s early literary works. Published in 1918, it came at a time when he was just starting his career as a writer. This collection reflects Huxley’s philosophical leanings and his experimentation with poetic form, which would later develop in his more famous novels like Brave New World. This work gives a glimpse into the young mind of an author who would go on to influence literature and thought profoundly. 2.The Title Poem, “The Defeat of Youth”: The main poem, “The Defeat of Youth,” explores themes of disillusionment with youth and love. It is introspective and somewhat melancholic, presenting a contrast to the romantic ideals often associated with youth. The tone and style echo the influence of poets like T.S. Eliot and the introspective nature of early 20th-century British poetry. 3.Limited Edition: This edition was limited to 500 copies, making it a rare find for collectors. Printed on handmade paper and set in Dolphin old-style type, it has a distinct aesthetic and tactile quality that is valued by book collectors. Each copy was produced with careful attention to detail, indicative of early 20th-century small-press publishing. 4.Oxford’s Blackwell Publisher: The book was published by B. H. Blackwell in Oxford, a well-known British publisher, especially respected for supporting literary and academic works. Blackwell was instrumental in publishing emerging authors in Britain, and their imprint on this book reflects a mark of quality and prestige at the time. 5.Part of “The Initiates Series of Poetry by Proved Hands”: This book is the third in a series titled The Initiates, which aimed to bring forward noteworthy poets and writers of the time. Being part of this series connects Huxley’s work to a broader context of English poetry and represents his place in the literary movements of the period. 6.Interesting Production Details: The book was printed at The Vincent Works in Oxford, completed in June 1918. The choice of materials, including handmade paper and the two-color printing technique, adds to the uniqueness and value of this edition. The decorative cover with floral motifs is typical of the arts-and-crafts style that was popular in British publishing at the time. 7.Themes of the Collection: Beyond “The Defeat of Youth,” the other poems in this collection delve into themes of nature, beauty, and the tension between youthful idealism and the often harsh reality of life. These themes resonate with the post-World War I atmosphere, as many writers and poets grappled with a sense of lost innocence and existential questioning. 8.Huxley’s Reflection on Modernity: This work gives an early look at Huxley’s critique of modernity, which would later become central to his novels. Even in his poetry, Huxley begins to express concerns about the loss of spiritual and moral direction in a rapidly changing world—a theme that would mature in his later works. This edition is not only a literary work but also a piece of publishing history, reflecting both the craft of the book trade at the time and the early thoughts of one of the 20th century’s literary giants. Owning this edition means having a tangible connection to Huxley’s formative years and the broader landscape of post-war British literature.

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Location: Petaluma, California

End Time: 2024-12-13T21:39:48.000Z

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