ASHBERY, John. The Tennis Court Oath. A Book of Poems. Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press (1962). First edition. One of only 750 copies printed. Kermani A7. Presentation copy, inscribed by the poet to the artist Nell Blaine, who illustrated Ashbery's first book: "For Nell with Love, John. 'All was now ready for the continuance of the journey.' p. 65". Nell Blaine was one of the artists represented by the Tibor de Nagy Gallery in New York. Blaine created and designed the set for Ashbery's play The Heroes. She also illustrated Kenneth Koch's first book, Poem and Prints, and designed Ashbery's first book, Turandot, as well. Ashbery later wrote the preface for A Sketch of Nell Blaine's Work. Kenneth Koch was instrumental in the publication of The Tennis Court Oath, bringing his friend's poetry to the notice of John Hollander, a judge for the Wesleyan Poetry Series. The Tennis Court Oath is Ashbery's brilliantly rebarbative second book, in which he leaves behind the ethereal allegories and dandiacal musings of Some Trees. Although all of Ashbery's books involve sharp contrasts and juxtapositions, The Tennis Court Oath is one of the few to favor violent disjunctions and impenetrable garble. Although an extremely uneven book, it anticipates the major work that follows hard upon it. 8vo, original boards, dust jacket. A superb association copy, in fine condition