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A rare 1923 first edition of T.S. Eliot’s seminal poem The Waste Land is set to be a highlight of The Cotswold Auction Company’s upcoming June auction. This edition, published by Virginia and Leonard Woolf’s Hogarth Press, is estimated to fetch between £1,800 and £2,500. Known as one of the most influential literary works of the 20th century, The Waste Land captures the spiritual and cultural disillusionment that followed World War I. Its dense symbolism, references to classical literature and mythology, and innovative modernist style cemented Eliot’s reputation as a towering figure in literature.
The Hogarth Press, established by the Woolfs, was a platform for avant-garde and experimental writing, including works by members of the Bloomsbury Group—a collective of influential writers, artists, and intellectuals. Although Eliot was not an official member of the Bloomsbury Group, the Woolfs recognized the significance of The Waste Land and were the first to publish it in book form in the UK. Notably, Virginia Woolf personally typeset the poem, adding a layer of historical and artistic importance to this edition.
Auctioneer Liz Poole emphasized the edition’s significance, stating, “This is a historic first edition—published by Virginia Woolf and her husband in 1923, it was the first book publication of The Waste Land in the UK, though the poem had already appeared in book form in the US in 1922.” The auction will take place on June 3 at The Cotswold Auction Company’s saleroom in Cheltenham, featuring a diverse range of lots including books, medals, militaria, coins, stamps, and collectables.
The Waste Land remains a cornerstone of modernist literature, reflecting the fractured psyche of a post-war generation. Its publication by the Hogarth Press underscores the interconnectedness of Eliot and the Bloomsbury Group, as well as the Woolfs’ commitment to groundbreaking literary works. This first edition, with its rich historical provenance, is a highly sought-after item for collectors and literary enthusiasts alike.
