COVE

The enigmatic aspects of this gift book, such as its lack of inscriptions or any context about its giving or its reception, invite much archival speculation. In this interest, the letter below offers one of infinite possible explanations:

31 January 1921

My Dear Samuel,

I hope you had a jolly good time on your birthday. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate, but I trust this gift book will make up for it. Take Khayyám’s advice: “fill the Cup that clears / To-day of past Regrets and future Fears.”

I spared no expense when I saw this edition. I know you’ll cherish it being a reader and a well-traveled lad. It’s massive compared to most copies out there, and the gilded title on the cover gives it a nice distinction, don’t you think? As do the cluster of grapes bookending the poem, which I’m sure you’ll appreciate given your interest in wine since your time in the Somme.

You’ll like Balfour as an illustrator. I partly chose him because he fought in the Great War like you although he was a Royal Navy man. You mentioned enjoying Beardsley’s work for Wilde and Tenniel’s drawings for Carroll; Balfour is in the same camp as these chaps with his black and white ink and detailed scenes of decadence and the grotesque. Also note that it’s a Chiswick product, one of London’s finest printers (they printed those theology books I sent your father last year).

Anyway, enjoy this book, Sam. I hope it gives you wisdom and entertainment when you need it most. “While the Rose blows along the River Brink, / With old Khayyám the Ruby Vintage drink…”

With love,
Your Uncle Fred