Vala Or The Four Zoas A Facsimile Of The Manuscript, A Transcript Of The Poem And A Study Of Its Growth And Significance By G. E. Bentley Jr. Blake, William ; Bentley, G. E. (Contributor) Poetry

xviii, 220, 145 [manuscript plates] pp. Light grey-brown hardback with a cursive gilt title to front and gilt lettering to spine. Illustrated brown paper dust jacket protected by Melinex. In a custom-made brown slip-shoe. Not price clipped. Some light speckled loss of colour to top of front board and spine. Light bumping to spine ends. Jacket has been repaired for tears and losses and lined with a heavyweight Japanese paper. Both boards and jacket are generally clean. There is minimal creasing to the jacket joints. Internally clean and bright. This is the first complete facsimile of Vala, what Northrop Frye has called 'the greatest abortive masterpiece in English literature'. Provides a thorough transcript and study of the poem with its ninety illustrations. Through this vigorous examination, Bentley concludes that the poem's poor critical appraisal has been misguided due to a lack of understanding of the complexities of the original manuscript. A fine volume, giving space to Blake's extraordinary talent as both illustrator and poet. This is a heavy set and may require additional postage if being shipped outside of Europe. Elephant Folio Facsimile