Proofs of The Axe in the Wood

A proof copy of Clifford Dyment, The Axe in the Wood (London, 1944) containing numerous autograph emendations in ink in the hand of the author, all of which are incorporated in the published version (see iv).
Among the most substantial alterations are the following: line 8 of the title poem (p. 12), 'For glory seems to crowd upon the axe', is replaced with 'A swaying axe has always drawn a crowd'; lines 12-13 of 'Absolute Power absolutely Corrupts' (p. 32) are replaced by the version as published, as are the final three lines of the poem 'Carrion' (p. 34); and the poem 'The Marriage in Cana' (p. 27) is directed to be omitted altogether and replaced by 'Green Love' (from p. 38). The title page has the title as published, however the front cover gives the title as 'A Song to Saint Francis'.

Title based on contents.

Bindings disintegrating.

See also NLW ex 2927 (iv)

Published