Standard-Book of Classic Blacks, door Pierre Kemp. - The Hague, A.A.M. Stols, 1946, 8vo, pp. 41 (3); orig. paper boards with a design by Piet Worm, printed label at the front. - First edition of a volume of Dutch poetry, published with a striking, wonderful English title. - Spine a bit darkened (browned), as well as some of the outer edges of the cover; fly-leaves and last blank leaf browned too. Printed on very thin paper. Book-plate at Inside front-cover. A very good copy of a very fragile book. - Pierre Kemp (1886-1967) was one of Holland's most peculiar and talented poets in the twentieth century. He was born, lived and died in Maastricht, a provincial town which he hardly ever left. This sombre, melancholic volume, the "Standard-Book..." was written and published shortly after his retirement (1944), having worked some 29 years in the payroll administration of a local mine company. It appears that Kemp, who always wore black suits, got the inspiration for the title of this volume, from a sample-book from his tailor. - Extra note: the elegant 'swan' design by Piet Worm at the cover was produced for the 'helikon' poetry series, published by Alexander Stols, and also appears on other titles in the series, printed in several different colours.