ELIOT, T[HOMAS] S[TEARNS]
The Cultivation of Christmas Trees. London: Faber and Faber, [1954]. First edition thus; this copy is inscribed on the title leaf by Eliot to W. H. Auden, "for Wystan/from Tom/Christmas 1954." In original printed wrappers, as issued. 8 1/2 inches (22 cm); [4] pp., with frontispiece by David Jones. Very light wear and soiling. Eliot long nurtured the career of W. H. Auden. He accepted the young poet's first published book for Faber in 1930. Tangible evidence of their friendship in the form of association copies (or even letters) are uncommon on the market. The only other presentation copy from Eliot to Auden to appear at auction in recent years is the trade edition of Eliot's 1935 Murder in the Cathedral, sold in 1988 for $5,000. Gallup A66a.
Provenance:
Collection of Lincoln Kirstein