Vulgarity in Literature by Aldous Huxley *Edward Bawden's copy* First 1930

BAWDEN, Edward; HUXLEY, Aldous. Vulgarity in Literature: Digressions from a Theme.
*Edward Bawden's Copy with his signature to the front free end paper*
 
London: Chatto & Windus, 1930.
 
First edition. 8vo. 59 pp. Original cream paper-covered boards decorated in red with a design by Edward Bawden, in the original blue and cream dust jacket repeating Bawden's design. Signed by the artist on the front free endpaper, the book is from Bawden's library. The boards are lightly marked, with some faint spotting to the endpapers. A split of approximately 20 mm at the foot of the rear joint has been neatly repaired. The dust jacket has rubbing and wear to the spine and extremities, with several short closed tears, small areas of loss and evidence of old repair. A Very Good copy.
 
Edward Bawden's own copy of Aldous Huxley's extended essay on the meaning and nature of vulgarity in literature. Huxley ranges widely through literary criticism, language, morality and taste, questioning both the possibility and usefulness of defining the vulgar while examining its place within literature and society.
 
Published as the first volume in Chatto & Windus's Dolphin Books series, the work was issued in striking decorated boards with a corresponding dust jacket designed by Edward Bawden. The playful marine design, with fish, dolphins, seaweed and shells, is an early example of Bawden's distinctive style. 
 
A pleasing association copy: not merely signed by Bawden, but his personal copy from his library of a book whose boards and dust jacket he designed.