Eleven Poems. Belfast: Festival Publications. [1965]. First Edition, Second Issue. Pp, 15. Publisher’s creamy white laid paper with ten pointed sun symbol in purple on upper cover. A near fine copy. Housed in collectors’ solander box.

Presentation copy, Inscribed by Seamus Heaney and dated March, 1969, verso upper wrapper.

A legendary rarity, especially with the early signature and dedication. Heaney’s first book of poetry which collects some of his earliest poems.

Eleven Poems signified more than just the commencement of Heaney’s own career as a poet; it also marked a particularly crucial moment in the literary history of Northern Ireland. The 1965 Literary Festival from which Eleven Poems was issued was, to a large extent, a much-needed literary renaissance and artistic rebirth in Northern Ireland.

[Brandes A1].