Ted Hughes was born on August 17, 1930. He became one of the most-famous poets of the Twentieth Century, and was Great Britain's Poet Laureate from 1984 until his death in 1998 (Poet's Laureate traditionally served for life -- the exception being John Dryden, who was dismissed from the post in 1688 because he would not tale a loyalty oath to the new king, Wiliam III -- but the institiution was amended after Hughes' death, and the new-normal is for the Poet Laureate to serve for 10 years).
Hughes published a vast wealth of poetry and children's stories during his life -- and that life provided fodder for an even-vaster wealth of books about the poet and his tempestuous romantic liasions. ABAA members offer a large selection of signed items, first editions, and fine-press or other scarcities. Here is a selection of some of the more eye-catching items.
(You can find a full listing of current offerings by or related to Ted Hughes here...)
Meet my Folks! (Signed, First Edition)
London: Faber and Faber. (1961). First. First edition. Illustrated by George Adamson. Fine in near fine dustwrapper with a little rubbing. Contemporary owner names on the front fly, under which is a Signed sentiment from the author: "with good wishes, Ted Hughes." The author's third book and first book of children's verse. A very nice copy. (Offered by Between the Covers Rare Books)
Crow (Signed, First American Edition)
New York: Harper & Row. (1971). First. First American edition, hardcover issue. A modest stain on the foredge and the edge of the rear flap, else near fine in an about near fine dustwrapper with a few modest stains and some overall age-toning. Signed by the poet. (Offered by Between the Covers Rare Books)
Eat Crow (Signed, First Edition)
London: Rainbow Press, 1971. 1st edition, limited (1/150) numbered and signed, full calf binding, TEG, in publisher's cloth slipcase. The present offering is designated number "77" and signed by Hughes on the colophon, and additionally inscribed and signed by Baskin immediately below Baskin's frontispiece drawing. The inscription reads: "For Sandy, with Leonard's / regard & admiration. / London, 1973" in black ink. The recipient is the papermaker, Sandy Jackson. A beautiful publication in every way, and a truly unique copy with Baskin's presentation signature. Fine condition. (Offered by Jett W. Whitehead Rare Books)
Broadsheet No. 8 ("In the little girl's angel gaze")
London: Designed and printed by Ralph Steadman on Chrome Coat Art Paper at Steam Press, Kensington Church Walk, 1972. No. 25 of 50 copies, signed by the poet and artist. A collage by Ralph Steadman. 1 vols. Oblong 4to (10" x 14" ). Folded card wrapped in black paper with blindstamped circular seal of the Steam Press. Fine. No. 25 of 50 copies, signed by the poet and artist. A collage by Ralph Steadman. 1 vols. Oblong 4to (10" x 14" ). (Offered by James Cummins Bookseller, Inc.)
Selected Poems 1957-1967 (Signed, Galley Proof)
New York: Harper & Row, 1973. 1st edition, uncorrected galley proof, blue binding tape (as issued). The proof copy Harper & Row provided to the author, with his many corrections and annotations, including his editorial markings for the printer. Signed on the cover "Checked / T. H." by Hughes in blue ink. Truly unique, one of a kind. (Offered by Jett W. Whitehead Rare Books)
Brooktrout (Broadside, Signed)
Morrigu Press. 1979. First edition. Broadside. 10" x 15.5". Illustrated by the poet. Fine. One of 60 numbered copies Signed by Hughes. (Offered by Between the Covers Rare Books)
Remains of Elmet (Signed, First Edition)
[London]: Rainbow Press, 1979. First edition, number 27 of 70 copies (of a total edition of 170) signed by Hughes and Godwin on the colophon page. With 4 black-and-white photos by Fay Godwin. Printed on Barcham Green Charing hand-made paper by Sebastian Carter at the Rampant Lion Press. 87, [1] pp. 1 vols. 4to. Bound in full tree calf, t.e.g., rest uncut, by W.T. Morrell. Fine in slipcase. First edition, number 27 of 70 copies (of a total edition of 170) signed by Hughes and Godwin on the colophon page. With 4 black-and-white photos by Fay Godwin. Printed on Barcham Green Charing hand-made paper by Sebastian Carter at the Rampant Lion Press. 87, [1] pp. 1 vols. 4to. Contains a poem which does not appear in the trade edition. Rampant Lion Press 78: "Sometimes poem suggested photograph, sometimes photograph poem ... The Charing hand made of the specials was some lovely old stock kept by Olwyn Hughes" (Offered by James Cummins Bookseller, Inc.)
Birthday Letters (Signed, First Edition)
London: Faber and Faber, 1998. First edition, first prnt. Signed by Hughes on the title page. Dustjacket art by Frieda Hughes. Small wrinkle on spine topedge and rear board upper corner just tapped, beginning page toning as typical. Very Good condition in a Fine dustjacket with an archival cover. Winner of the Forward Prize for Poetry in the year of publication.. Signed by Author. First Edition. Hardcovers. (Offered by Revere Books)
You can browse all current offerings by or related to Ted Hughes here...
If you're interested in Ted Hughes, you may also by interested in this impressive association copy of Sylvia Plath's first book of poetry, The Colossus...