MARTIN ARMSTRONG (INTRO) — The Essential Mary Webb

UK, Jonathan Cape. 1949. Hardcover with dust jacket, 20cm. Ill.: Norman Hepple and Rowland Hilder. Book, The essential Mary Webb - Webb's star should have risen higher according to critical review >>> "This year's discovery has been Mary Webb, author of Gone to Earth. She is a genius, and I shouldn't mind wagering that she is going to be the most distinguished writer of our generation."- Rebecca West, review of Gone to Earth. Literally dozens of other respected literary figures off unstinting praise for Webb's skill as a wordsmith. Armstrong presents selections of Webb's prose & poetry (Golden Arrow, Gone to Earth, Seven for a secret, precious Bane & Armour wherein he trusted, six essays & 12 poems - a fine sampling with attractive artwork in a 30s style. Webb's Shropshire characters inspired Stella Gibbons wondeerful parody, Cold Comfort Farm. 416pp & just under 500g for post. dj has a repaired tear 1" at top left. Very Good/Good/Fair.