Ernest Watt — To Bertha and Other Verses

London, Harrison and Sons , 1919. First edition. Cloth. The author's presentation copy of this very scarce poetical collection, generously inscribed by him with original verses. The author's inscribed presentation copy. With two handwritten poems - including twenty lines written over the front paste down and front free endpaper ("To A. J. M.) and fourteen lines written to the rear endpaper (titled 'The Perfect Poem'). First edition.Very scarce, with only one copy held institutionally by the British Library. No previous records in auction.In the original quarter cloth, with paper covered boards.A collection of war poetry from Australian-born shipowner, pastoralist and patron of the arts, Ernest Alexander Stuart Watt. He published Love Letters of a Genius (1905) which he had translated from the French of Prosper Mérimée, Pauline's Book of Poetry (1911) and an anthology, A Diary and Other Indiscretions (1914).This volume includes numerous tributary verses to comrades as well as romantic pieces dedicated to his wife, the titular Bertha. In the original quarter cloth, with paper covered boards. Externally, with discolouration to the spine and handling marks to the boards. Slight rubbing and bumping to the extremities. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean, with the occasional light spots. Author's inscription to the front paste down, front free endpaper and rear endpaper. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .