1914 The Three Kings by Will Lawson Antique Australian Poetry Book 1st Edition

The title poem, The Three Kings, takes its inspiration from the remote Three Kings Islands off the northern extremity of New Zealand, notorious in the sailing era for dangerous seas and numerous shipwrecks. Maritime themes feature strongly throughout Lawson's writing, alongside verses concerned with rural life, travel, horses, working people and the distinctive character of Australia and New Zealand. His vigorous, accessible style places the collection firmly within the tradition of early Australasian ballad and bush verse, while its combination of Australian and New Zealand subjects gives the volume particular appeal to collectors of literature from both countries.

Published in London by Angus & Robertson Ltd in 1914, this is the First Edition, printed in Sydney by W. C. Penfold & Co. Ltd., and retains the publisher's catalogue dated July 1914 at the rear. The volume is particularly attractive in its original dark green embossed cloth bindings, with gilt titles to the upper board and elaborate gilt decoration and lettering to the spine. It also retains the photographic portrait frontispiece of Lawson with his facsimile signature beneath, making this an appealing example of an increasingly uncommon early collection of Australasian verse."