Leda
London: Chatto & Windus, 1920. Octavo. Item #028445
80 pages. Huxley sent his brother a copy of "Leda" in response to Julian's letter announcing his engagement to Juliette Baillot. Technically the story of an adultery, it made an odd engagement present. As a poem about recurring disillusionment, however, it can be construed as indirect advice to an elder brother and a prospective sister-in-law not to expect too much. The newly engaged pair missed the poem's central point completely. Contents: Leda -- The Birth of God -- On Hampstead Heath -- Sympathy -- Male and Female Created he Them -- From the Pillar -- Jonah -- Variations on a Theme -- A Melody by Scarlatti -- A Sunset -- Life and Art -- First Philosopher's Song -- Second Philosopher's Song -- Fifth Philosopher's Song -- Ninth Philosopher's Song -- Morning Scene -- Verrey's -- Frascati's -- Fatigue -- The Merry-Go-Round -- Back Streets -- Last Things -- Gothic -- Evening Party -- Beauty -- Soles Occidere et Redire Possunt. Beautifully bound by Bayntun-Riviere of Bath in 3/4 crushed brick morocco over cloth, raised bands with compartments lettered and decorated in gilt, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers. A fine bright copy. [References: Bromer, D. Aun aprendo,; A5.1; Eschelbach, C., Aldous Huxley; 38; Muir, P. Bibliographies of the first editions of books by Aldous Huxley,; p. 15 and Jerome Mecklier].
Price: $300.00