Procreant Hymn. Original Version

2010

Special Collections PR6025 A833 P76 2010

Llandogo, Monmouthshire: Old Stile Press

‘Earth Receiving’ (1926) is the title of this engraving in the poem Procreant Hymn, which E. Powys Mathers, author, translator, and (of course) pioneer cryptic crossword advocate, called ‘a lyrical exultation in praise of the generative principle in man, in nature, and in deity.’ Gill had God’s hand appearing over the couple making love. No doubt in his eyes it was a godly blessing. First printed by Gibbings and company at The Golden Cockerel Press, this publication was the first of the press to have line-engravings in copper by Gill. This Old Stile Press edition is of the original version; a more explicit one exists, distributed for private circulation only.