Author: OGILVIE (John):
Title: Rona, A Poem. In Seven Books, Illustrated with a Correct Map of the Hebrides, and Elegant Engravings.
Description: London: Printed for J. Murray..., 1777. FIRST EDITION. 4to, pp. [ii], xv [xvi "The Argument"], 219 [220 adverts, 221 errata, 222 blank], including half-title, engraved frontispiece by James Caldwall after William Hamilton, large folding map of the Hebrides by Armstrong, 6 other engraved plates (again, by James Caldwall after William Hamilton) as called for, contemporary sheepskin, rebacked, red leather label; corners a bit worn and binding rubbed. With the notation on the recto of the leaf before the half-title: "Read at Norwich Oct 23rd 1807/ by desire of M. B./ Edward Hodge/ Capt. of L. D." This attempt by John Ogilvie (1732 - 1813) to write an epic tragedy set on Rona in the Western Islands doesn't quite achieve the soaring grandeur he aims for, but it appealed to contemporary readers avid for anything to do with the "Highlands and Islands" after the publication in the 1760s of the Ossianic verses. Zachs, The First John Murray, 161; 500 copies were printed.

Keywords: poetry epic literature Scottish Enlightenment


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