Added recently to the Merton-artifacts collection:

• Merton’s first book of poetry, Thirty Poems (New Directions, 1944)

A hard cover copy, in dust jacket, of Merton’s first book of poetry, Thirty Poems (New Directions, 1944). This book was inscribed by Merton’s friend, Robert Lax, to an acquaintance.

The book itself is not the most scarce of Merton titles, but its association with Lax makes it special; an affirmation from a fellow writer and long-time friend.