Christmas Eve

[ARDIZZONE, Edward]. Christmas Eve by C[ecil] Day Lewis. Ariel Poem. Illustrated by Edward Ardizzone. London: Faber and Faber [1954]. 8vo, [4]pp. Orange paper wrappers. One full-page color illustration and two smaller b&w illustrations. A fine copy housed in original light blue envelope (edges a tad rubbed, light soiling around edges, flap starting to separate).

First edition. A joyous poem celebrating the magic of Christmas Eve by celebrated Anglo-Irish poet and Poet Laureate of the UK, C. Day Lewis. The "Ariel" series was begun in 1927 when the Curwen Press collaborated with Faber in creating booklets described as "alternatives to Christmas cards comprising an unpublished work by a distinguished poet” with illustration by a sympathetic artist. An attempt was made to revive the series after the war and the above is one of the set of eight titles published in 1954. Among the others were poems by W.H. Auden, Walter de la Mare, and T.S. Eliot. Featuring three warm and tender illustrations by Greenaway Medalist Edward Ardizzone, this is a charming celebration of the holiday by the distinguished poet.