RITSON, Joseph (editor); Thomas Bewick, John Bewick (illustrators)

Pieces of Ancient Popular Poetry: From Authentic Manuscripts and Old Printed Copies. Adorned with Cuts

London, C. Clarke for T. and J. Egerton, 1791. Full calf. 12mo (7.1 in, 18 cm). [2] xvi, 152 [2] pp. First edition: Joseph Ritson (1752-1803) was a literary scholar, anthologist, and bibliographer. Here are seven Middle English poems including Tom Thumbe. Thomas Bewick (1753-1828) is known for reviving the art of wood engraving; his younger brother John Bewick (1760-1795) was his apprentice until he established his own career. ESTC T149587. DNB. Contemporary mottled calf with gilt decorated and titled spine and gilt decorated board edges. 15 woodcut headpieces and tailpieces by Thomas and John Bewick. Glossary. Joints starting. Tight, clean, and bright. Well-preserved first edition illustrated by Thomas and John Bewick. Near fine .

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Book number: 854

Catalogue: Poetry

Keywords: First Editions 1500-1800

THOMSON, James

The Seasons

London, John Sharpe, 1819. Full calf. 16mo (6 1/2 in tall); xiii 215 pp. Printed by Charles Whittingham at the Chiswick Press. Originally printed in 1730, this famous poem by James Thomson (1700-1748) includes four parts, one for each season. Highly influential, these four seasons are the original inspiration for works by composer Joseph Haydn, painter Thomas Gainsborough, painter J.M.W. Turner and many others. Thomson is noted as the first poet to treat landscape objectively instead of romantically and the precursor of Collins, Cowper, and Gray. NCBEL Vol 2 527. Kunitz and Haycraft 515-516. Finely bound in diced calf with gilt embellished and colored compartments, raised bands and gilt titling to spine; gilt embellished borders to covers with rolled edges and slight gilt turn-ins. All edges marbled; endpapers marbled. Engraved frontispiece and engraved title plate per poem, each captioned with tissue guard. 6 engravings by Charles Heath, William Finden, and John Pye after Richard Westall. Ends with fifth poem Hymn. Upper front joint with 1" gradual split, boards with slight spring, plate edges faintly foxed. Finely bound and clean edition with bright pages. Very good+ .

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Book number: 753

Catalogue: Poetry