The Ballad of John De Rue
Europe? n/a, ca 1940's.
Manuscript. Octavo (approx. 9.25" x 7.5"). Blue and gold decorative patterned cloth covered boards. White end papers. Light edge wear to the boards. A few light spots to the contents.
Illustrated with 4 black ink sketches, color illustrated capital initials at the start of each stanza, one water color and a color illustrated patriotic title page.
Poem is composed of 12 stanzas with four lines each. The Ballad of John De Rue, apparently unpublished, narrates a dream of John De Rue spending a Christmas night in the rubble of a Cathedral during World War II. The water colored initials are military motifs including a sword, grenade, bugle, bomb, and grenade launcher. No date, location, or provenance found regarding the author or "John De Rue" for this unique hand written, illustrated poem. Very good. Item #32830
Price: $450.00