New York: Viking, 1970

Tall 8vo, pp. 330. Original yellow stiff paper wrappers, lettered in black to front panel. Projected publication dates and prices inked to front panel, evidence of tape removal to lower edges of wrappers (possibly original wrapping having been removed enabling the volume to be read). Wrappers a little sunned and marked, (oversized) leading edge of front wrapper inevitably creased and a little worn; contents clean and bright.

Proof copy, with 'MAY 28, 1970 $8.95' inked to front wrapper and deleted, and with 'JUNE 26, 1970 $7.95' written above the deletion.

A wonderful collection of writings from the entire world canon, and in all forms and lengths, drawn from Auden's formidably wide reading, and drawing a moving self-portrait of a man who was three years from death.

Uncommon in this form, with handwritten indicators of its slightly fraught production history.