Peter Grimes (A narrative poem by George Crabbe with 22 etchings)

Anthony Davies

This portfolio is based on a narrative tale by George Crabbe (1754-1832) titled The Borough, a collection of poems published in 1810. The most famous couplet is "Peter Grimes" which was letter XXII and inspired the Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) opera of the same name. In addition to being a poet, Crabbe trained as a surgeon from age fourteen into his early twenties, and was a clergyman. His written works often dealt with the lives of poor and working-class people, informed by those he met in his various professions.

"Peter Grimes" narrates the story of a fisherman accused of killing his father and two of his apprenctices. Despite there being no evidence against him, Grimes is poor, alone, violent and unlikeable; however, they always turned a blind eye to his actions rather than help his victime. When he is accused of these deaths, the village's judgement is swift. He become an outcast, living on the village's edges, haunted by the ghosts of the three dead men to the point of madness. Though Crabbe is often overlooked in the annals of poetry, his work at the time was powerful and controversial, not least because it forced the reader to examine their own assumptions and capacity -- or lack thereof -- for compassion. This was seen as manipulative by some, offensive by others, and yet inspirational to many. It foreshadowed the work of Dickens and others whose work is now seen as revolutionary in its depiction of the poor and underrepresented.

This portfolio of 22 etchings by Anthony Davies includes an introduction by Edward Lucie-Smith. The portfolio was designed and printed by Ronald King in 10pt Baskerville onto Saunders 285 gsm rag paper. The loose sections are contained in cloth-covered slip-case and folder. The edition is limited to fifty books plus 10 proof copies all signed by the artist. Published by Clare Beck.