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COHEN, Leonard (1934-2016). The Spice-Box of Earth. [Toronto/Montreal:] McClelland and Stewart Limited, 1961.
First hardcover edition of Cohen’s second book of poetry, inscribed to his muse, Marianne. The book brought Cohen a measure of early literary acclaim, but despite the influential Canadian critic Robert Weaver's assessment of Cohen as 'the best young poet in English Canada', Cohen himself refused the label: 'I think the term poet is a very exalted term and should be applied to a man at the end of his work [...]. I would never assume that title unless it's been awarded me by a very good and long performance'.
Octavo (210 x 144mm). Half-title printed in green, headings in red, other text in black, numerous illustrations by Frank Newfield. Original patterned boards backed in black cloth, printed portrait vignette of the author, titled in red on upper cover, lettered in gilt on spine (without the dust-jacket). Autograph inscription in green ink: 'To Marianne / with all my love / Leonard / June 8 1961 / Montreal'. Provenance: by descent from Marianne Ihlen.
First hardcover edition of Cohen’s second book of poetry, inscribed to his muse, Marianne. The book brought Cohen a measure of early literary acclaim, but despite the influential Canadian critic Robert Weaver's assessment of Cohen as 'the best young poet in English Canada', Cohen himself refused the label: 'I think the term poet is a very exalted term and should be applied to a man at the end of his work [...]. I would never assume that title unless it's been awarded me by a very good and long performance'.
Octavo (210 x 144mm). Half-title printed in green, headings in red, other text in black, numerous illustrations by Frank Newfield. Original patterned boards backed in black cloth, printed portrait vignette of the author, titled in red on upper cover, lettered in gilt on spine (without the dust-jacket). Autograph inscription in green ink: 'To Marianne / with all my love / Leonard / June 8 1961 / Montreal'. Provenance: by descent from Marianne Ihlen.
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