A signed proof copy of Country Conditions, Valentine Ackand’s examination of poverty and social inequity in Dorset that first appeared as essays in The Left Review in 1935. Ackland was an activist and progressive Communist and this work represented advocacy for the rural worker with a letter and two manuscript poems laid in illuminating Ackland’s political activism during a period of rapid change between 1936-1939.

Gender non-conforming Ackland was the life partner of writer Sylvia Townsend Warner, a relationship that was often tumultuous due to infidelity, but lasted until the end of Warner’s life. Their strong partnership is evidence in this book, however, with edits made in both of their hands.

Born Mary Kathleen Macrory Ackland, Ackland made a name to Valentine to adopt a more gender neutral identity (Valentine is more often a male name in England) and described the change as leaving an old self behind, preferring to dress in men’s trousers. Ackland identified as a lesbian, but not necessarily a woman.

Proof signed by Ackland to title page, note including autograph of Sylvia Townsend Warner on page 97. With pen and pencil edits, mainly to margin and appendices.

The manuscript poems are dated 1937 and 1938 on Frome Vauchurch letterhead, each 18 x 23cm oblong. Accompanied by a signed cover letter on January 1939 from Malcom Cowley of The New Republic, on letterhead, 25.5 x 19cm. The letter was addressed to Ralph Roeder of The League of American Writers “for the manuscript sale”. At the end of the bleak “Valencia, July 1937”, written a year following the start of the Spanish Civil War, Ackland notes that it was printed. There is no such note on “Word from England, September 30, 1938”, a poem titled for the date of the Munich Agreement which ends “Here, now, they sow disaster.” A compelling and complete little package of Ackland material, encompassing both her political and social commitments, and demonstrating her relationship with Warner.

London: Lawrence & Wishart, 1936. 126 pages. 18.5 x 12.5 cm. In paper wrapper with hand-printed title to binding. Minor stains to cover, paper clip mark to top of first pages. Torn top of half-title page.