John Arlott — Clausentum

London, Jonathan Cape, 1946. First edition. Cloth. A first edition of John Arlott"s lyrical sonnet sequence inspired by the ancient site of Clausentum, beautifully illustrated with seven plates by Michael Ayrton. In the publisher's original cloth binding.Complete with the original clipped dust wrapper.This volume is a first edition.A lyrical collection of sonnets inspired by Arlott"s visit to Clausentum, the Roman-era settlement beneath modern-day Bitterne Manor, Southampton. Existing since the Norman times, or even earlier, the building underwent considerable changes throughout the ages, captured by Arlott and Aryton within this collection. This volume features seven monochrome plates by artist Michael Ayrton, including a frontispiece. Collated, complete.John Arlott (1914–1991) was an English journalist, poet, and beloved cricket commentator for the BBC"s Test Match Special, celebrated for his poetic sensibility and expressive broadcast style. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Slight bumping to extremities and head and tail of spine. One or two spots to boards, with a small raised spot to rear board. The odd spot to endpapers. Previous owner's inscription to front free endpaper from 1949. Small stamp from The Time Book Club to rear paste down. Spine slightly creased and faded. Dust wrapper, generally smart. Spine faded. Slight rubbing and bumping to extremities, resulting in the odd chip, more so to head and tail of spine. Wraps slightly age toned with the odd spot. The odd slight handling mark. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean, if slightly age toned with one or two spots. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Michael Ayrton. Very Good Indeed/Good.