London: Eveleigh Nash, [1913].

Poetry collection by lesbian partners Katharine Harris Bradley and niece Edith Emma Cooper, who pseudonymously published their poetry as "Michael Field" beginning in 1884. Cooper died in 1913, the year Mystic Trees was published, and Bradley nine months later. Their poetry, often on paganist themes and exploring transgressive sexuality, was well-received by peers. Mystic Trees combined earlier themes with a Catholic mysticism centred on the Virgin Mary, Saint Teresa and an interest in Spanish mystic poets. Initially identifying as atheists in 1877 the pair moved to paganism in 1897, and in 1907 converted to Catholicism. Cover decoration on Mystic Trees includes “Jesu Maria”.

Notable gift inscription dated 1937 reads “HME Stanton, wishing her a joyous Christmas from AHE Lee”. AHE [Arthur Hugh Evelyn] Lee was the editor of The Oxford Book of English Mystical Verse and later a vicar. Reportedly an esoteric initiate, Lee convened small groups for mystical or esoteric meetings on a bi-weekly basis.

Hardcover. 147 pages. 20 x 13.5cm. First edition. Gorgeous original green cloth cover with gilt titles and elaborate art deco fountain and lit lamp design by Charles Ricketts in gilt to front cover. Edges untrimmed. Slightest wear to spine edges, discolouration to front endpaper, very light spotting. In very good condition.