Celtic Twilight, The – W. B. Yeats
VG 1902

For sale: a rare and exceptional second edition, first printing hardcover copy of The Celtic Twilight by W. B. Yeats, with no dust jacket. Second Edition described as “Reprinted with additions 1902.”  [First] “Printed 1893” also stated on reverse of half-title page. Frontispiece of author sketched by Jack B. Yeats protected with tissue guard to title page. First published in 1893 by A.H. Bullen, the second edition has several added chapters and a new preface.  Title page is shows Bullen publisher info with the 1902 date present. First issue of American edition with The Macmillan Company imprint on spine, but using the same British plates. 234 pages.

The exterior of the book is in Very Good condition with clean, blue cloth boards with some sheen still present on the front, strong title gilt on a lightly sunned spine and the front cover and some smudges on the rear board.  The book also features a faded gilt top stain and clean, but toned side and bottom page blocks. Also present is a tight binding, heavy spine tilt, rolled and rubbed spine ends, mild edge wear, and rounded corners. The interior of book is in Very Good condition with two ownership marks: a penned name on the front paste-down and a crossed out name and date on the second blank page.  The end papers and the interior pages are clean and moderately toned, making it an excellent addition to any collection.

No dust jacket.

The Celtic Twilight (1893) is a collection of stories written and edited by W. B. Yeats. Compiled at the height of the Celtic Twilight, a movement to revive the myths and traditions of Ancient Ireland, The Celtic Twilight captures a wide range of stories, songs, poems, and firsthand accounts from artists and storytellers dedicated to the preservation of Irish culture.

In “Belief and Unbelief,” a story is shared about a village at the foot of Ben Bulben. One day, a young girl disappears while walking through a local field. Fearful that the faeries have gotten her, the townspeople conduct a search of the village, checking every home while burning ragweed and reciting spells to ward off the mischievous spirits. “Mortal Help” discusses the interdependence of humans and faeries, who require the presence of the living in order to play games in the physical world. As evidence, an old ditch digger tells a story from his youth, when he witnessed a group of faeries playing the game of hurling not far from the field where he was working. In “A Knight of the Sheep,” an old farmer faces off with the local tax collector, and both struggle to maintain respect for one another while trading shrewdly concealed insults. “The Devil” discusses several demonic sightings among Irish peasants, who claim to have met Lucifer by the side of the road by day and under the bed at night. The Celtic Twilight captures the collision of ancient and modern Ireland, preserving its legends while ensuring their mystery remains.