Lectura Dominica. (Extra etching with handwritten note from Pound’s daughter)

Rare Italian edition of Pound’s The Seafarer with extra etching and notes by his daughter

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Issued in an edition of 100 copies only, a finely-printed and deluxe Italian edition of a translation of Pound’s version of the Anglo-Saxon poem The Seafarer. The translation has a special title-page with the title: Il Nocchiero.

One paper folder holds three unbound bifoliums of thick, high-quality handmade paper. These form preliminaries, four pages of text, and an etching hand-numbered in pencil (#80/100) and signed by Italian artist Franca Ghitti. A second paper folder holds a single bifolium with the title-page and introductory text (“In Limine un Sengo Pound”) and a second original illustrated etching, unnumbered and also signed by Ghitti. Apparently, this second etching is not called for in this edition.

Laid into the portfolio are two handwritten items by Mary de Rachewiltz, Ezra Pound’s daughter and posthumous publisher of much of his work: a small card and a longer note, approximately 185 words, written on the back of an invitation to an exhibition of Ghitti’s sculptures. Her writing is legible, though faint in places from the pen’s ink. Dated April 21, 1985, the letter is addressed to Fred C. Robinson (1931–2004), Yale professor of Anglo-Saxon literature and the preeminent modern scholar of The Seafarer. Writing candidly, Mary de Rachewiltz apologizes for not replying to his December 1984 letter and remarks on her fatigue in pursuing Ezra Pound’s scattered correspondence. She expresses relief that trusted colleagues have taken responsibility for related matters and notes her pleasure at Robinson’s participation in an Ezra Pound symposium, adding her hope that he would play a leading role at Yale. The letter then turns to plans for a projected deluxe edition of The Seafarer, for which Robinson was being considered as a contributor, and invites him to meet in Brunnenburg or near Brescia to help plan the project. The note closes on a warm, collegial tone, with Mary looking forward to seeing him in May.

Price: $350.00