The Poetical Works of Robert Southey. With a Memoir. 10 Volumes. Boston; Little, Brown, and Company; 1866.
Number 47 out of 100 copies printed in this luxurious form, hand-numbered.
Certainly a deluxe limited edition!
Provenance: Bookplate of Edward Francis Searles with each bookplate numbered 1249-1258. Thus, making this set a part of Searles's library in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Edward was a millionaire and an architect of castles. There is an existing catalogue listing his whole collection of books.
The Poetical Works of Robert Southey is a comprehensive collection of poems by the English poet Robert Southey. Published in 1866 by Little, Brown, and Company, the collection spans ten volumes and includes a memoir of the poet's life.
Robert Southey was a prominent figure in the Romantic literary movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is known for his varied poetic subjects, ranging from historical and epic poetry to ballads and lyrical verse. His works often exhibit a moral and didactic tone, reflecting his strong beliefs and values.
The collection showcases Southey's versatility and his exploration of different poetic forms and themes. It includes his famous poems such as Thalaba the Destroyer, an epic poem blending oriental mythology and folklore, and The Curse of Kehama, another ambitious work that draws inspiration from Hindu mythology. In addition to his longer poems, Southey's collection also features shorter pieces, including sonnets, odes, and elegies.
His poems often reflect his political and social views, as well as his love for nature and his interest in history. The memoir accompanying the collection provides readers with insights into Southey's life, including his early upbringing, literary influences, and his friendships with other notable writers of his time, such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth. It offers a glimpse into the poet's personal and creative journey, shedding light on the context and inspirations behind his poetic works.
The Poetical Works of Robert Southey is a significant compilation that captures the breadth and depth of Southey's poetic output. It remains a valuable resource for those interested in the Romantic era and the rich tapestry of poetry it produced, let alone of the stunningly beautiful fine bindings of this limited edition set.
Size: 20 x 13.5 x 3 cm each (approx.)
Text block extremely clean with very light toning around the edges of pages. Minor sunning to spines, else fine. All tooled labels present and in fine condition. All boards securely attached. Very minor scuffing to boards. Shelf wear. Bookplate attached to front pastedown in all volumes. Endpapers toned and foxed. Foxing on page edges. Pencil inscription on preliminary in volume one.
