Small quarto. (vi), (40)pp. According to data
from Eckert's bibliography of Edward Thomas, this is one of 100 uncolored
copies, this one inscribed to frequent collaborator Helen Beardsell. Full-page
frontispiece, two full-page illustrations, and smaller head- and tail-pieces
reproduced from drawings by James Guthrie. The original drawings for the head-
and tailpieces are laid in, as well as the caption titling for the full-page
plates and closing, with the Pear Tree device. Bottomley's one-act verse play
opens with a dedication poem to Edward Thomas, who befriended both Bottomley
and Guthrie and was a frequent guest in both men's homes. Set in southern
Iceland, the play thematically resembles the Norse sagas translated by William
Morris, and features a hero named Gunnar Hamundsson, who the action finds
exiled at his home. Both Bottomley and Guthrie admired Morris, and this
admiration likely served as the impetus for this work. Few small bumps to
corners, else fine in linen-backed buff boards with intaglio title label on
upper cover. Drawings housed in a leather-backed folding case with patterned
paper sides, which shows some wear along hinges. The whole contained in a cloth
clamshell box with leather lettering piece on spine. Leather book label of
noted bibliophile Atmore Beach on front pastedown.