PHILIP LARKIN: HIS LIFE AND WORK: A Catalogue of an Exhibition held in the Brynmor Jones Library, 2 June–12 July, 1986.

First edition, first printing. Original illustrated, stapled, glossy card wrappers. A fine copy, the binding firm, the contents clean throughout.

The exhibition which this short catalogue accompanied, exploring Larkin's life as a poet and librarian, was held at the Brynmor Jones library (the University of Hull Library named for the recipient of this specially bound presentation copy) six months after his death in December 1985. In the brief foreword, Edwin Dawes writes of "experiencing the sensation of entering a partial vacuum when I go into the Brynmor Jones Library these days: a vital spirit is missing throughout that edifice and not only from the seat to the left of the Chairman of the Library Committee" (Dawes was that chairman). March 1985 marked the thirtieth anniversary of Larkin's appointment as Librarian at the University and the exhibition had originally been planned by his Library colleagues to mark that occasion. Postponed owing to Larkin's increasing ill health, the exhibition became a memorial instead of an anniversary event. "The Philip Larkin Exhibition", Dawes explains, "is designed to present a balanced view of his manifold contributions both as an eminent literary figure and as an Officer of the University of Hull. It focuses attention on his writings, on his librarianship, and on the honours he received." The descriptive catalogue, without illustrations except for reproductions of Larkin's own drawings, is nevertheless full of curious details and information regarding the poet. The standard edition was issued in stapled, glossy card wrappers.