Lays and Letters from Linton (with Autograph Letter on Promotional Flyer)
Haddington, Scotland: William Sinclair, [1889]. First Edition. Hardcover. 8vo. Pp. xiv, 220. Textured black cloth, titles in gilt on the spine, sprinkled edges, yellow endpapers. Edges rubbed, spine ends chipped, hinges parting.
Laid-in single fold flyer 7-1/2 x 9-1/2 inches printed one side (two leaves) with book review excerpts; autograph letter on one recto leaf dated May 13th 1892 "To John L. Bertram, Esq. of Cranshaws" to accompany presentation copy. Lumsden writes that he came to subsist by his "rustic pen" after being ruined as a farmer during a disastrous agricultural depression, and hopes the honored addressee will desire to keep the book and send whatever he please for it. Letter a trifle age toned, two additional folds, splitting with old tape repairs. Good; Good. Item #5227
Prose and poetry on rural life in the valley of the Tyne. Apparently Lumsden's pseudo was not taken very seriously: the printed advertisement heading spells "Macklebackit," one review credits "Mucklebackit." Bertram was a collector of farm books. Book and letter separately preserved in clear archival sleeves.
Price: $75.00