DOOR INTO THE DARK

First edition, first printing. Publisher's original black cloth with gilt titles to the spine, in dustwrapper. A fine copy, the binding square and firm, the contents are clean throughout and without inscriptions or stamps. Complete with the near fine lightly rubbed dustwrapper, which has some darkening to the lower spine and is otherwise free from loss or tears. Not price-clipped (15s to the front flap).

'Door into the Dark', Heaney's second full-length collection, followed three years after 'Death of a Naturalist'. Like the earlier collection, it looks back to the poet's rural upbringing in a language of great sensuousness and immediacy. The volume is dedicated to the author's parents. "His subject is those things which are inherent or inherited. What he praises is to be praised in his own work." (Christopher Ricks, 'New Statesman'). Published on 16 June, 1966, the Faber archive does not record the number of copies printed. (Brandes and Durkan A5a).