Rex Whistler, Laurence Whistler — Aha

London, John Murray, 1978. First edition. Cloth. A humorous poetical work with numerous topsy-turvy portraits by Rex Whistler, written and signed by his brother and prolific poet Laurence Whistler. The signed first edition of Aha, a topsy-turvy poetical anthology, written, illustrated and signed by the prolific poet Laurence Whistler and inspired and also illustrated by British painter Rex Whistler. In the publisher's original pink cloth, in the original clipped dust wrapper. Contains full-page illustrations throughout of optical illusions by Rex and Laurence Whistler. Rex Whistler fell in love with portraits of historical figures which depicted one expression when turned one way and an entirely different expression when inversed, as seen on the front wrapper. Inspired by his brother, Laurence created this quirky work that can also be read upside-down, containing all humorous poems poking fun at different characters. Laurence Whistler was the first poet to receive the King's Gold Medal for Poetry and a well-known poet throughout his life. In the publisher's original pink cloth, in the original clipped dust wrapper. Externally, very smart, with minimal marks and edgewear. Faint crease to front joint. Dust wrapper is bright and clean, with very faint browning to wrapper spine and extremities. A couple of spots to wrapper reverse. Previous bookseller's stickers to flyleaves. Minor browning to end paper hinges. Internally, firmly bound. Whistler signed inscriptions on blanks either side of title leaves. Pages are bright and clean. Near Fine . Ill.: Rex Whistler, Laurence Whistler. Near Fine/Very Good Indeed.