The poet’s first book, winner of Newdigate Prize, inscribed to the judge of the prize: “To Hon Judge, from the judged - with gratitude. Andrew Motion”. Loosely inserted is an A.L.S. from the author, c.70 words and dated 3.5.76, to said judge, John Wain: “It really would be a pleasure to talk about Thomas - but perhaps you’d rather I kept back my meanderings until you have delivered your lecture”. Wain was at this time the Professor of poetry at Oxford, in whose gift the Newdigate lies, while Motion was at Oxford working on an M. Litt. on Edward Thomas. Number 76 of 400 copies. A fine copy, housed in a protective box reiterating the design of the book.
