American Tramp and Underworld Slang.
Words and Phrases used by Hoboes, Tramps, Migratory Workers and those on the Fringes of Society, with their Uses and Origins. With a Number of Tramp Songs. Edited with Essays on the Slang and the Songs by … With a Terminal Essay on American Slang in its Relation to English Thieves' Slang by …
London: Eric Partridge Ltd. at the Scholartis Press, 1931 Stock Code: 136118
First UK edition following the US of the same year, limited to 1000 copies, this being one of 45 on "Imitation H. M. Paper, specially bound, and signed by Godfrey Irwin and Eric Partridge" on the half-title.
"Mr. Irwin, whose share in this book is a glossary of 1600 words and phrases and a selection of favorite hobo songs, is a native Englishman who has had "more than twenty years' experience as a tramp on the railroads and roads of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America". Mr. Partridge, who contributes a terminal essay on forty-seven American slang words taken from English thieves' cant, is a writer and publisher heretofore known for his studies of the speech and habits of the British soldier" (American Speech, 7, 6, p.442). A slightly disappointing, but still acceptable, copy of a genuinely uncommon book.
Description
Octavo. Original black cloth, title gilt to the spine, top edge gilt, others uncut.
Condition
Somewhat rubbed and spotted, spine mildly sunned, front free endpaper rather clumsily stuck down, some foxing throughout, a little heavier front and back, about very good.
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