Dreamland and Other Poems

Montreal: Dawson Brothers, 1868. Edition not stated. Octavo (19.5cm); green cloth w/ pebble grain, beveled edges, stamped in gilt; 151pp. Large dampstain along spine and upper board margins; crown of spine chipped; rubbed extremities. Large ex libris on front pastedown (see comments); binding broken at first signature but still attached; margins toned. Very Good. "It is not without much hesitation and many misgivings that the author of the following poems allows them to pass the press," wrote Charles Mair at the preface to this, his first poetry book, published but a year after Canada's confederation. Mair, of course, would later strike fame for his free verse epic Tecumseh (1886), as well as his political roles in the "Canada First" movement and the Riel Rebellions. Meanwhile, his Dreamland is a compilation of romantic poems, mostly celebrating the natural beauty of Canada and those who have lived there. Canada designated him as a Person of National Historic Significance in 1937, ten years after his passing.

Constitutional Club Library ex libris marks this as the gift of J. Ross Robertson (with signature). An accomplished man in brief: Robertson established The Toronto Telegram (1876-1971) and served as president of the Ontario Hockey Association (1899-1905). He was also a historian, politician, and philanthropist, especially known for his fundraising for childrens' hospitals and other facilities.