Leonard Cohen · First Edition, Illustrated by Frank Newfeld · McClelland and Stewart, Toronto, 1961
The Spice-Box of Earth is Leonard Cohen's second collection of poetry, published in Toronto in 1961 when he was 27. It was the book that first brought him wide literary acclaim in Canada, and it contains early poems including "A Kite Is a Victim," "Credo," and "I Have Not Lingered in European Monasteries."
The book was also conceived as a showpiece of Canadian bookmaking. According to the publisher's note bound into this volume, it was the second in a group of works of poetry and belles lettres selected to raise the standards of design and manufacture in Canadian books, published in a limited edition that would not be reprinted in this format. It was planned and illustrated by Frank Newfeld, printed on Rolland paper, with engravings by H & S Reliance, and printed and bound by T. H. Best. Newfeld's two-colour drawings and ornaments run throughout, with patterned endpapers and quarter black cloth over patterned paper boards bearing a portrait of Cohen on the front board.
This copy is the McClelland and Stewart first edition, lacking the dust jacket. It carries a gift inscription from a previous owner on the half-title, dated July 1, 1962, placing the copy in private hands within about a year of publication.
Dust jacket not present; the book was issued in a dust jacket with a die-cut window revealing the portrait on the front board. Very Good. Boards clean, with light rubbing and wear to the spine ends, most noticeable at the head. Binding tight. Pages clean, with light toning to the page edges and faint offsetting opposite the title page. Gift inscription in ink on the half-title: "To my dearest Evelyn, with all my love, Billy, July 1, 1962."
Free shipping within Canada on this item. Shipped from Toronto, Canada with tracking, and carefully packaged with archival-safe materials. International shipping is calculated at checkout. Combined shipping is available for multiple purchases. Please message before paying.
Book Burrow | Toronto, ON | 100% Positive Feedback | Specializing in Canadian literature, signed editions, and collectible books.