Francis Brett Young ( 1884 - 1954) was a respected English novelist, poet and playwright. He is remembered for his series of interconnected novels that were collectively called the Mercian Novels, which involved various stories about the English West Midlands, and Welsh Borders. Presented here is a magnificent work - an epic poem - which chronicles the entire length and breadth of English history , from the Bronze Age up through the Battle of Britain. When it was first published, public reaction was overwhelming that the book quickly sold out. The poem is eminently accessible, written in an easy metre and fully engaging the attention of the reader. This is wonderful stuff, and makes one wonder why more authors don't try it. Likely because it is a hard thing to pull off, but Mr. Young did so with style and genial charm. A great read, now largely forgotten. This is a copy of the First Trade Edition. ******************************************* The title page has printed a passage from Shakespeare's ""Henry V"" :: ""Vouchsafe to those that have not read the story, / That I may prompt them; and of such as have, I humbly pray them to admit the excuse / Of time, of numbers, and due course of things / Which cannot in their huge and proper life / Be here presented ."" ************************************* TITLE : The Island / AUTHOR : Francis Brett Young (1884 - 1954) / IMPRINT : William Heinemann Ltd / PLACE : London / DATE : (1944) / EDITION : The First Trade Edition (after a limited edition of 100 signed copies). / SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES : There is a statement that the book was published under ""War Economy Standards"", and thus there are slight production-related imperfections to the paper, normal for the time. PHYSICAL DETAILS : Trade Hardcover; title page has rubricated title; 451 pages; approximately 5 "" x 7 3/4""; dark blue cloth-covered baords with title, etc. lettered in gilt on spine; front board has a small device of three pears in a circle stamped in blind; the rear board has the publisher's device stamped in blind; sans dust-jacket. ********************************* CONDITION - VERY GOOD - A gently used copy with modest wear, and the following noted: Cover : Compression and abrasion to spine extremities; soft bumps to corner tips, only mild surface rub - basically clean and presentable. / Text-Block Edges : Top edge a bit weathered and toned, else clean. / Binding : It is obvious the book has been read, and thus not so tight as when first issued, but the book remains solidly intact. / Interior : Clean and presentable throughout. The original owner's signature with date and city of residence is written in ink on the front flyleaf - there is also a small code written on the same - likely a dealer's sales code / Dust-jacket : Not present
