The Gospel Witch

Lyon Phelps, 1954. First Edition. Paperback. Very Good. A GREAT PRESENTATION COPY, signed and inscribed by author on letterhead of The Poet's Theatre at front to William Matchett (Secretary of the Theatre) and his wife: 'For Bill and Judy, whose affection and collaboration have gone into the lines of this playf this copy, more than I am able to admit, this first copy. Lyon. At Cambridge, in Massacusetts, May, 1954.' The text of this first copy, pruduced nine months before the play was to debut, is mostly mimeographed with a few typed leaves, and has ink and pencil corrections in the author's hand. Laid in loose is a 3 x 5 inch card with an original poem by Phelps abouit the Matchetts, signed and inscribed Christmas, 1962. [7],119,[3] leaves printed (or typed) recto only. Bound in original burgundy 3-brad wraps with clear plastic window in upper cover showing title (spine faded). Later published by Harvard University Press for the Poets' Theatre, this moving three-act verse play is based on the atmosphere prevalent during the Salem witch days of Puritan New England. It tells the story of family happiness destroyed by the panic of the community.