Under the trees. (Presentation copy inscribed by the author) de WELSH, Lionel

Ballarat, Vc. : The author (Baxter & Stubbs, printers), [1944]. Octavo (187 x 126 mm), printed wrappers with vignette illustration to front (slightly sunned and with a few light marks), stapled; a presentation copy, inscribed in ink on the inside front wrapper: 'With compliments from the author, Lionel Welsh, Ballarat, 28/4/44'; internally clean and sound. Scarce self-published volume of verse by Ballarat poet Lionel Welsh, once described by critic Martin Haley as the ""Australian Herrick"" because of the lyrical qualities in his writing. (A 1944 newspaper cutting with Haley's review of Under the trees is loosely enclosed in the present copy). 'Lionel Welsh was educated at Stawell school. He had been disabled since his youth. His writings, especially his poetry, reflected a keen interest in the study of nature.' (AustLit) Trove locates only four copies in Australian libraries (NLA; SLV; SLNSW; Central Highlands Libraries. Ballarat Library).