Stairway to the Stars (Poems and Ballads) by Sharkey, Rev. Hugh F.X - 1975

Toronto, ON: Mission Press, 1975 Red cloth cover with bright gilt titles. Dustjacket was designed by Saint John artist, Ray Butler, and has miniscule tears at top of spine. There is an inscription "My love, blessing and best wishes. Hugh F.X. Sharkey, S.F.M." on the front free endpaper. Sometime later, the author inscribed it underneath for "Mrs. Sweetman" with a different pen. Ink correction adding the word "of" on page 8 in same hand as original inscription. This book of poetry was a retirement project for Father Sharkey, who was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. He was ordained as a priest in 1929, and spent much of the first 20 years of his ministry in China. After returning to Canada, Father Sharkey worked with the administration of the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society. In 1952, he was posted to the Dominican Republic, and finally to Guyana ten years later, where he would conclude his missionary career. There are approximately 130 poems in this book. 147 pp. . Inscribed and Signed By Author. First Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine/Very Good. Illus. by Butler, Ray (cover design). 5x8.