M. Coens - Gedichten I. [Niet in den handel]

M. Coens - Gedichten I. [Niet in den handel] - Haarlem - W.C. De Graaff - 1876 - 1st edition - [142] pp - Paper wrappers - 13,5 x 19,5 cm.

Condition: Vulnerable - see more info below.

A collection of poems by the Schiedam writer Willem Levinus Penning (1840-1924) published under a pseudonym. "Gedichten (Part) 1" is the title, suggesting plans for sequels. However, it stayed with this one part. Rare debut.

This copy is badly damaged (and would deserve professional restoration) but we will leave it as we found it; the cover is damaged, protected in transparent chintz paper, which itself is also quite worn. The book block is almost loose-leaf. On the title page a name from 1913 and in pencil "[edition 100 copies]". I cannot confirm whether the circulation is really that low, but the edition can undoubtedly be called scarce to untraceable.

¶ Willem Penning was one of the forerunners of the 'Beweging van Tachtig' [Movement of Eighty, a movement that arose partly out of resistance against the clichéd, bloodless literature of its predecessors]. Penning's eyesight continued to deteriorate due to an eye problem until he became completely blind at a later age. By the time his second collection of poems was published, 'Tienden van den oogst' (1882), he could no longer practice his profession as an administrator. The 'Tachtiger' Albert Verwey helped him with his publications.

We will briefly highlight one of the poems titled 'Doodgravers Grafschrift':

Om luttel goed en have
Heb ik mij doodgegraven,
Tot mijn verdriet:
Den wandlaar die mij 't lieve leven
Terug kan geven -
Begraaf 'k om niet!