Poems in the Porch by BETJEMAN, John (1906-1984), [PIPER, John, illustrator]

London: S.P.C.K., 1955. [Poetry] SIGNED ILLUSTRATED EDITION, a later printing. Octavo (23 x 15cm), pp.[28]. With in-text illustrations by Piper. Publisher's soft covers titled in blue and red, stapled twice and priced at 2s to back cover. Author's signature to half-title page in black ink. Spotting throughout, sunning to covers, wearing and creasing to edges. This is a later printing of 'Poems in the Porch', and includes an interesting note from to previous owner addressed to 'John B' stating 'Please would you sign these for a faithful fan Jo Benbow (and glamorous sister) from Trebetherick. Thank you.' Loosely inserted is a picture of this 'glamorous' woman that is discussed in the note and is dated 1948. John Betjeman did have close connections with Trebetherick and Cornwall more widely as he enjoyed many family holidays there as a child, and often returned as an adult; sometimes, praise for Cornwall's landscape and its surrounding area is featured in his poetry.