1949 Sir Halewyn: Examples in Europe Balladry and Folk Song

Description

First Edition, Publishers' Original Binding, Signed, With Dustwrapper

First Edition. 

In the original unclipped dust wrapper. 

With a signature from the author to the front endpaper, which says 'For S. F. McCleary', the author-academic, as well as a type-written letter from Gray to McCleary adhered to front paste down. 

The letter makes it clear that this book was a gift to Gray's friend, and he also acknowledges that this work is 'the kind of book which- quite properly- no one buys'. 

This work is an interesting academic study into the various examples of european balladry and folk song, but focuses particularly upon Sir Halewyn. Also titled 'Heer Halewijn', this folktale originates from Denmark and dates back to pre-Christian times. It tells the story of Lord Halewijn, who is either an evil man, a magician, a demon, or a fairy lord who sings a magical song that makes women drawn to him. He meets them in the forest, where he then kills them, until a princess falls under his spell. 

Alexander Gray (1882-1968) was a Scottish civil servant, academic, and writer, who featured some of his work within Northern Numbers, the periodical which was edited by Hugh MacDiarmid. His best known poem is 'Scotland', which is on the Canongate Wall of the Scottish Parliament building. 

Collated, complete.