QUEUEING FOR THE SUN

First edition, first printing. Inscribed presentation copy. Original illustrated card wraps, the front panel showing a photograph by Mick Dolby. A fine copy, the binding square and firm, the contents clean throughout. Light bump to the lower spine tip. A lovely copy, inscribed by the poet and her lifelong partner.

Inscribed by the author in blue ink to the title page, "Dear Anna, / a friend who is good at constant encouragement! / Best wishes, / Ursula / W-U-E [Wotton-under-Edge] / May 2003". Following the author's "Best wishes", Fanthorpe's partner (of forty-four years), Rosie Bailey, has added in black ink, "(and from me, Anna - Rosie)". The author's ninth collection, issued in the year the poet was awarded The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry. "The boldness of these new departures is as striking as the variety and energy evident in the rest of an admirable and enjoyable book" (Alan Brownjohn in 'The Times', June 29, 2003).