35, [1], + [1 ad] pp. (8vo) 22.5x14.5 cm. (8¾x5¼"), original blue mottled boards with printed paper label (with heavy single rule above and below the title). First English Edition.

The first English edition of probably the single most important poem of the 20th century. "April is the cruelest month, breeding / Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing / Memory and desire, stirring / Dull roots with spring rain..." The first edition was published by Boni & Liveright in New York a few months before, but this printing was important both to its publishers, the Woolfs, and also to Eliot by encouraging him to continue writing while still employed by Lloyd's bank. This is one of about 460 copies. This copy is from the estate of the actress Jane Wyatt, with handwritten note laid in: "Dear Mrs. Wyatt - I found this book in London this summer and thought you might like it..." Signed "Joy."