The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats.

YEATS, William Butler.

$3,800.00

Item Number: 146956

London: Imprinted at the Shakespeare Head Press for Chapman and Hall, 1908.

First collected edition of the works of William Butler Yeats. Octavo, original publisher’s half vellum over cloth-covered boards with gilt lettering to the spine and front panels, top edge gilt, ribbons bound in, limited to 1060 copies, photogravure frontispiece portrait in volumes 1, 5 and 7 with tissue guards as issued, titles printed in red and black. In fine condition. A rare and very sharp complete set in the original publisher’s binding.

William Butler Yeats, an influential Irish poet and dramatist, played a crucial role in shaping modern literature. His work evolved significantly over his lifetime, reflecting a deep engagement with both personal and cultural themes. Initially, Yeats drew on Irish folklore and nationalist sentiment, contributing to the Irish Literary Revival and the establishment of the Abbey Theatre. Over time, his poetry became more introspective and philosophical, incorporating elements of mysticism and esoteric thought. This shift is evident in his later collections, such as "The Tower" and "The Winding Stair," which showcase his mastery of complex symbolism and his innovative approach to form and content. Yeats's ability to blend traditional and modernist elements has cemented his place as a key figure in the development of contemporary poetry.