Laurence Housman — The Blue Moon

London, John Murray, 1904. First edition. Cloth. A whimsical collection of short stories by the progressive playwright, with beautiful woodcuts which immerse readers into realms of fantasy. The first edition of The Blue Moon, a charming collection of fantasy short stories, written by progressive author and playwright Laurence Housman. In the publisher's original blue pictorial cloth, with a lovely frontispiece and title vignette by Housman's brother Clemence, a celebrated poet, and all seven other beautiful woodcuts by Laurence. Collated complete. A brilliant example of Housman's early work, this beautiful anthology contains whimsical tales for both children and adults to enjoy, rich with both magic and romance as he takes us to different realms of his imagination. Later in his career, Housman would become a cirtical figure within social justice, founding the Men's League for Women's Suffrage and providing relief work for Beglian refugees during the Great War. In the publisher's original blue pictorial cloth. Externally, mostly smart, with minimal marks to boards. Slight fading to the spine and bumping to the head and tail, and to the extremities. A minor lift to cloth to head of spine. Minor rubbing to joints and edges. End papers are mostly bright and clean with a couple of faint spots and minor offsetting to rear. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are mostly bright and clean with the odd spot, mostly to leaves pp.4-9. Very Good . Ill.: Clemence Housman, Laurence Housman. Very Good .