Goliath and David.

INSCRIBED TO ERIC KENNINGTON

First edition [one of 200 copies printed]. Small 4to., original plain red wrappers. S.I. [Privately Printed].

With Robert Graves' presentation inscription on the inside of the upper wrapper "Eric Kennington from Robert Graves. 1918."

Graves' second book, only relatively recently relegated from the status of Number 1, and something of a collaboration with Siegfried Sassoon: Graves not only described Sassoon as its editor, but Sassoon was also responsible for distribution of the majority of the copies. Kennington was an official artist in both world wars, and made several portraits of Graves, the first in around 1918. He and Graves both benefitted considerably from the patronage and friendship of T.E. Lawrence. 

This includes the poems "To a dead Boche"; "Escape", where Graves records his removal from the pile of corpses 

"Life, life! I can't be dead, I won't be dead:
Damned if I'll die for anyone" I said . . .

And the heartbreaking "Not Dead" where he considers the death of his friend David Thomas (the David of the book's title):

Walking through trees to cool my heat and pain,
I know that David’s with me here again.
All that is simple, happy, strong, he is.
Caressingly I stroke
Rough bark of the friendly oak.
A brook goes bubbling by: the voice is his.
Turf burns with pleasant smoke;
I laugh at chaffinch and at primroses.
All that is simple, happy, strong, he is.
Over the whole wood in a little while
Breaks his slow smile.

 

Some very minor wear to the wrappers, but an excellent copy. Higginson A2. 

Stock Code: 227800