Light Metres

New York: Everest House, 1982 Drawings by Edward Gorey. Limited first edition. One of 26 lettered copies "printed for private presentation to persons of ineffable distinction" (total limitation of 376, with 350 signed and numbered copies printed for the public), signed by Gorey and Lamport, this being copy letter "I". Publisher's white cloth, lettered and illustrated in gilt, orange label to spine, and green endpapers; publisher's green slipcase. Fine book, with very light spotting to fore edge of text block; fine slipcase, with extremely light spotting to edges. In the original glassine wrapper, with wear along the top edge of rear wrapper including a 3-inch closed tear to top right. Overall, an exquisite example of one of the very scarce lettered copies. Light Metres is poet and satirist Felicia Lamport's third collection of verse. From the dust jacket's front flap, "[Lamport and Gorey's] ironic glances zero in on our culture, from politics to dieting, from gardening to sexual peccadilloes, from middle age to the fuel crisis, with consummate style and high comedy." As an example of Lamport's humorous style, in "Enriched Dream" she asks, "Wouldn't it be great to join that gratified band / Of diet writers living off the fat of the land?" Edward Gorey (1925 - 2000) was one of the more eccentric artists of the 20th century - a prolific producer of enigmatic books and illustrations who took inspiration from a variety of sources, like silent films, Balanchine-choreographed ballet productions, and 19th century literature. In addition to writing and illustrating, Gorey designed the set and costumes for a successful Broadway production of Dracula in 1977. . Signed by Author and Illustrator. Limited First Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Dust Jacket Included.