Philosophy in Verse by Harry Warmke "Printer-poet"
Publication: 1939 The Rosicrucian Press, Ltd First Edition SIGNED by author
An obscure work of mystical poetry by little known author Harry Warmke, who had ties to esoteric author Lewis Spencer and the AMORC (Ancient and Mystical Order Rose Crucis) movement in San Jose, CA. It seems apparent that Warmke was a book printer who published this work independently, referring to himself as a "journey-man printer" and humbly stating "The Author of this none too ambitious book of verse lays no claim to being a professional writer"
The poetry is inquisitive and reflective, containing a blend of mystical and humanist elements. A rather interesting outlook of a seemingly peaceful man living in a time of surging social turmoil; on the precipice of World War II and the tail end of the Great Depression. The flyleaf is signed and inscribed to a friend by "the author" on the flyleaf.
The book also includes some ephemera; being two newspaper clippings, in association to the author, dated after the war (WWII). The clippings give some insight into the authors personality, with one containing a photo of his garden, which evidently inspired his tranquil demeanor during these tumultuous times. Better still they serve as bridge to the authors observations after World War II. Although the author maintains his calm delivery in the latter poems, you noticed a gloomier, albeit still hopeful approach to those poems written after the war.
Rather scarce with only 7 institutional listing worldwide (none signed).
Condition: publishers leather in flexible boards, gilt stamped to front board, printed on quality paper with characteristics of a small-run independent publication, overall condition FINE