Eleven Poems.

"These pamphlets are very valuable."

First edition, first issue. 8vo., original printed wrappers. Belfast, Festival Publications, Queen's University of Belfast.

[offered with:]

LONGLEY (Michael). Ten Poems.

First edition. 8vo., original printed wrappers. Belfast, Festival Publications, Queen's University of Belfast. [1965].

[and:]

MAHON (Michael). Twelve Poems.

First edition. 8vo., original printed wrappers. Belfast, Festival Publications, Queen's University of Belfast. [1965].

A pristine copy of the correct first issue of Heaney's scarce first book, from the library of Jon Stallworthy, in its original mailing envelope (with Stallworthy's endearing post-it note "These pamphlets are very valuable. JS 2/2/02") and with a covering letter from Mary Mills of the Festival Office, thanking him for his cheque for £1, and sending the "series to date", which consists of the Heaney, Michael Longley's Ten Poems and Derek Mahon's Twelve Poems. The Longley and Mahon are also included for context. The Longley has a just-discernible rust mark, otherwise they're both equally fine. 

Stallworthy and Heaney, who initially met as students of Yeats, were to become close friends, with Stallworthy describing him as "prince of men and poets" [from his memoir by Peter France, published online by the British Academy]. 

Stock Code: 251172