John Arlott — Clausentum

London, Jonathan Cape, 1946. First edition. Cloth. A charming collection of sonnets by John Arlott, accompanied with drawings by Michael Ayrton. Inspired by the poet and artist's visit to Clausentum, a Roman settlement situated in modern-day Southampton, this collection attempts to impart the 'peace and isolation' of 'Bitterne Manor' that stands on the previous Roman site. Existing since the Norman times, or even earlier, the building underwent considerable changes throughout the ages, captured by Arlott and Aryton within this collection. Collated, complete with 7 monochrome plates. In the publisher's original binding, with unclipped dustwrapper. In a blue cloth binding with blind stamped title to front board. In the original unclipped dustwrapper. Externally, very smart with some slight bumping to extremities and head and tail of spine. Dustwrapper generally smart with chipping and closed tears to the extremities. The odd handling mark and spot to front and rear of wrap. Creasing to the extremities of wrap. Internally, generally firmly bound. Pages bright and clean with just some marginal age toning due to paper used. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Micheal Aryton. Very Good Indeed/Good.