A Chronicle Writ in Darkness. [Lucifer Before Sunrise.]

Typescript and manuscript. c. 350 pages. An extensively corrected mix of typescript and manuscript. “Mss - Tss of the version recast Oct - Nov 1955, being 2/3 of the former Lucifer before Sunrise: that title serves for the last 1/3 of the work.” note to card front cover. A further title page, dated Oct 55, states “The Journal of a Norfolk Farmer, or, A Chronicle Writ in Darkness, by Henry Williamson. Lucifer before Sunrise.” “This is the Tss - Mss of the “Final” (to be hoped!!) Draft made Oct - Nov 1955. It is about two thirds of the original work, the last third is now under original title of Lucifer before Sunrise. H.W. 2 Dec 1955.” Lucifer before sunrise was eventually published in 1967 as the penultimate volume in his series A Chronicle of Ancient Sunlight. A unique opportunity to acquire the only typescripts, galley proofs and book proofs still in private hands. All other ms. copies, typescripts, galley and page proofs of his major writings were deposited at the University of Exeter: the first batch in 1961 by Henry Williamson; the second batch by his estate in 1981 in lieu of inheritance tax; and the final batch following the death of his son Richard in 2022. Williamson was in the habit of making numerous manuscript and typescript versions of his books, heavily editing at every stage; even by the galley and proof stage there were often frequent corrections, deletions and other alterations. These all show the heavy use of his pen and pencil and hence a glance into the writer’s mind as he created his work. None of these have been compared with the final published versions but all are likely to show differences, in some cases with major re-writings. This is one of a number of typescripts, galley and page proofs of Williamson’s works which we have available, acquired from the Williamson estate. Please enquire for details.

Product Info

Publisher: 1955.

Type: Used

Binding: Softcover

Seller Info

MichaelKempBookseller

Address: 19 Adelaide Gardens Sheeness, Kent

Website: https://michaelkemp.co.uk

Country: United Kingdom