Poems Henry Winn 1965 1st Edition Association Copy Signed Editor DJ
Title & Bibliographic Details
Full Title: The Poems of Henry Winn
Author: Henry Winn
Edited by: Florence L. Baker
Date: 1965
Edition: First and only edition
Printer: Caldicotts Ltd., 124 Trinity Street, Gainsborough
Historical & Bibliographic Context
This volume preserves the literary legacy of a remarkable nineteenth-century Lincolnshire figure whose writings reflect the intellectual and cultural fabric of rural England.
Henry Winn’s work spans poetry, local history, antiquarian observation, and social commentary. Largely self-educated, he represents a tradition of provincial scholarship that flourished outside metropolitan literary circles. His writings provide valuable insight into village life, religious practice, and historical curiosity in nineteenth-century England.
This edition, privately compiled and issued in 1965, brings together manuscripts, previously printed material, and later compositions that might otherwise have remained scattered or unpublished. Such works, produced on a limited scale, were typically intended for a local or familial audience, contributing to their relative scarcity in the wider market.
About the Author
Henry Winn was a self-taught poet, parish clerk, and local historian documenting rural Lincolnshire life.
About the Editor
Florence L. Baker, the author’s granddaughter, compiled and edited this volume, drawing upon family manuscripts, letters, and archival material.
Her role was instrumental in preserving and presenting Winn’s literary output, making this publication both a scholarly and familial undertaking.
Provenance
This is a true association copy of notable interest.
- Presentation inscription by Florence L. Baker to “Mr Melton” (Christmas 1965)
- Baker was not merely a relative, but the editor and compiler responsible for the creation of this volume
- Direct familial connection to the author
Further context:
- Florence Louise Baker (née Marshall) recorded in the 1901 and 1921 census
- Resident of Fir Tree Cottage, Nettleham, Lincolnshire
- Died 2 May 1967 (probate 13 September 1967)
The volume itself reinforces this connection, including a poem addressed to her under her maiden name.
This copy therefore represents:
✔ Editorial authorship
✔ Direct family lineage
✔ Presentation inscription
✔ Verifiable historical identity
Such copies move beyond standard examples into the realm of association copies with genuine historical connection.
Illustrations
- Six monochrome photographic plates
- Portrait frontispiece of Henry Winn
- Additional photographic plate later in life
All plates are present and complete.
Binding & Exterior Description
Original green cloth boards with black lettering to the front.
Complete with original unclipped dust jacket.
Condition:
- Dust jacket: light tanning, rubbing, small edge tears
- Boards: light discolouration, minor marks, slight lean
Overall, a well-preserved and attractive example.
Interior Condition
Internally in very good condition:
- Pages very lightly tanned
- Light foxing to pastedowns, endpapers, and page edges
- Signed presentation inscription to front free endpaper
Otherwise, clean and unmarked, with no further pen or pencil.
Binding firm and secure throughout.
Physical Details
- 222 pages – all present
- Approx. 22.3 x 14.9 x 1.4 cm
- Weight: approx. 414g
Rarity & Collector Notes
Classification: Uncommon (Association Copy)
This is a locally printed, small-scale publication with limited distribution, and is not frequently encountered in the trade.
However, it cannot be classified as rare due to occasional market appearances.
This particular example is significantly more desirable due to:
✔ Being a presentation copy from the editor
✔ Direct familial connection to the author
✔ Survival with original dust jacket
Such attributes elevate it into the category of:
👉 Association copies of regional literary and genealogical interest
Of particular appeal to:
- Lincolnshire historians
- Genealogists
- Collectors of association copies
- Regional and privately printed works

