James K. Baxter — In Fires of No Return

London, Oxford University Press, 1958 . First edition. Cloth. A scarce, first edition of this compelling collection of poetry, written by New Zealand author James Baxter in the years following his conversion to Catholicism, this being a review copy sent to fellow poet Roy Fuller. First edition.A scarce work. In the publisher's unclipped dust wrapper, with a Poetry Book Society Recommendation wraparound band. A review copy, with a slip from Oxford University Press loosely inserted requesting a review to be published following 6 November 1958. This copy was sent to English poet and critic, Roy Fuller, with his ink inscription noted to the front endpaper and his review notes written to the verso of the review slip. Written by New Zealand author James K. Baxter, known for his poetry and plays and for his activism surrounding the preservation of Maori culture. This was the first collection of Baxter's poetry to be published internationally. This collection was largely influenced by the author's conversion to Roman Catholicism, although interestingly, Baxter later admitted in a letter to a friend that his conversion was "just one more event in a series of injuries, alcoholism and gross mistakes". Bound in the publisher's cloth and the original unclipped dust wrapper, with a wraparound band for the Poetry Book Society. Externally, excellent, with minor shelf wear only. Ink inscription to front endpaper. Dust wrapper is very smart, with light edge wear and a few marks. Sunning to the spine and extremities. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine/Very Good Indeed.