[Literature] Pound, Ezra: Proof Sheet on Vellum from "Draft of the Cantos 17-27"

[Pound, Ezra]
Proof Sheet on Vellum from “Draft of the Cantos 17-27”
(London: John Rodker, 1928). Bifolium vellum sheet, 14 1/4 x 9 3/4 in. (362 x 248 mm). Comprising pp. 39/40 of Canto 24, p. 45 of Canto 25, and p. 46 of Canto 26. Printed historiated initial in red and in black for Canto 26, and printed tail-piece in black, by Gladys Hynes.

A rare proof sheet on vellum from Pound's Draft of the Cantos 17-27. According to a letter from Ezra Pound's son Omar included with this proof, it was one of “apparently a few extra sheets of individual double pages were printed off, I suppose possibly to get the pressure right on the vellum…What was left over was I imagine taken back to London by John Rodker, who was always shuttling between London (Where his Press was) and his women. These sample pages were apparently (deduction only) in the RED TRUNK which went to Venice, and when I got the Gaudier sculptures Olga [Rudge] handed over a few sheets (individual and double) printed on vellum and on paper, about 6-8 separate sheets as belonging to D[orothy] P[ound]…" Includes an additional letter, signed by Omar, “With best wishes for 19--(by courtesy of our dear friend Olga!) Omar”.

Olga Rudge (1895-96) was Ezra Pound's longtime mistress, who cared for Pound during the last 11 years of the poet's life. They lived in Venice, and had one child, Mary de Rachewiltz. Omar Shakespear Pound (1926-2010) was the only child of Pound and his wife, Dorothy Shakespear.

Only four copies on vellum of Draft of the Cantos 17-27 were ever printed, and individual proof sheets like the above seldom come to market. Rare.