Edward James. The Gardener Who Saw God. Signed copy with dedication

London, Duckworth & Co., 1937. Hardcover, black boards with gilt titles to spine, 19 x 12.5 cm, 380 pp. First edition, missing the dust-jacket. Inscribed on first page in green and black felt tip to K. Schippers (Gerard Stigter) stating 'for Gerrard [sic] with affectionate regards from the very old author Edward, Dublin November 1980'. Added is a letter from the Edward James Foundation dated 30 August 1979 regarding finding a copy of the book. Mild rubbing to spine, corner bumps, small dog-ear to the lower right, usual toning of paper stock. Generally a fine copy. Provenance: collection K. Schippers.

Edward F. W. James (1907-1984) was a British poet known for his patronage of the Surrealist art movement. For example, he sponsored Minotaure, the influential Surrealist magazine published in Paris. He collected works by Magritte, de Chirico, Klee, Leonora Carrington, Picasso, Giacometti, Max Ernst and many others. He also commissioned the refurbishment of Monkton House into a Surrealist dream featuring Dali's 'Mae West Lips Sofa' and 'Lobster Telephone" and more. 'The Gardener Who Saw God' was the first novel by James, showing subtle observations regarding men and women and appreciation of music, gardens and old houses.