Devotions (Signed copy, owned by four poets)
Signed from Lawrence Sail to Freda Downie, and by Greta Bellamacina to Robert Montgomery
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
First edition. Paperback, stapled binding. 21 × 14cm, 63pp.
A remarkable association copy belonging to four poets. This copy was first inscribed by the author, Lawrence Sail, to poet Freda Downie: 'for Freda, with love and best wishes, Lawrence, 10 April 1987'. Loosely inserted is a handwritten postcard from Sail to Downie mentioning her 1981 collection Plainsong.
The book was later acquired at a poetry bookshop in Hay-on-Wye by poet, publisher and filmmaker Greta Bellamacina, who gifted it to her husband, conceptual artist and poet Robert Montgomery. On the half-title, Bellamacina has written a warm pencil inscription: 'Dear Robert, I found this collection in the poetry bookshop in Hay on Wye. The first poem instantly reminded me of our game in New York. I got on the train back from London & found the postcard locked inside the book and addressed to the poet Freda Downing [sic]—a little surprise—like you! with love, Greta.'
From the back cover, "Broad in range, involving both private and public worlds, the personal and the historical, Lawrence Sail’s new book focuses in particular on the tensions between hope, doubt and faith. The poem from which the title of the collection comes is spoken by a medieval illuminator of manuscripts – and the intent skill of such a craftsman is apparent throughout the book, in poems which have both great delicacy and real strength."
Condition
A good copy. There is a faint water stain to the top edge of the front cover, and some light wrinkling to the pages' top edge. There is a crease to the rear cover but otherwise this copy remains in strong readable condition.
As of October 2026, books remain duty-free. The price of the book incurs no extra import duty fees. Any questions, contact us at walterbudge@btinternet.com or geoff@coxandbudge.co.uk
Price
£120.00
