21/09/2025
First published in 1996, Seamus Heaney's 'The Spirit Level' was his first poetry collection to be released after he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature just one year previously. It was, however, not always titled as such...
In this insightful letter, dated 15th March 1995 to a Mr Andy Vaughan, the poet muses over the recipient's suggestions for a title. "Good ideas" he writes, "I'm never sure until the last minute about these things. But, in fact, the manuscript is not quite settled yet, so there will be a long period of uncertainty ahead. I have an inclination to call it 'The Flaggy Shore', which is the name of a place in County Clare..."
As it turns out, the finished manuscript was titled 'The Spirit Level' with the aforementioned 'Flaggy Shore' appearing only in the postscript at the rear of the volume. This letter, therefore, offers a rare insight into the author's creative process.
Fold the Corner's collection encompasses a signed limited edition of this title (one of just 350 numbered copies), along with a first trade edition, and the aforementioned TLS. Together, it represents a fascinating association set.
Contact [email protected] for pricing and further details.
