MCPHERSON

1p, 8vo. In good condition, lightly aged, folded twice. He does not have a copy of his book 'Flying Eggs', but intends 'to order a few. Since computerization, ordering is a longwinded business, but there's reasonable hope they'd arrive before the Christmas post.' He gives instruction concerning payment and postage. He makes a suggestion if McPherson should 'at any point in the future [be] tempted to buy my first book of short stories, PENNINE TALES' (go for the paperback which is cheaper and 'much better edited').

All three 1p, landscape 12mo. All in good condition, lightly aged. ONE: 9 December 1974. He thanks him for 'the invitation […] But as I'm teaching full-time here now, this would be very difficult to arrange as far as schools visits would be concerned. (I asked the Arts Council to take my name off the schools list, but they don't seem to have done so).' He suggests a 'reading during the holiday break, perhaps. One aimed principally at adults, I mean.' The 'London Poetry Secretariat/Arts Council link-up' might 'provide some kind of subsidy'.

INSCRIBED to 'James R. Fergusson Esq with the kind regards of James Ballantine | Edin[burg]h 16th May 1870'. With Fergusson's armorial bookplate on front pastedown. 8vo: 311 pp. Plates throughout (not listed) and numerous illustrations in text. In original printed grey boards with grotesque illustration on front and blue cloth spine (New Edition" - only on cover). Stabbed as issued (bound up by the publisher from parts?). Tight, but on aged paper with occasional light staining, and wear to extremities. Boards heavily worn, with 3 cm closed tear at head of rear.