Hermit Marlow (3 results)

Disbound. Condition: Good. First Edition. 16pp, disbound from a volume at some point, t.e.g. Slightly browned, one or two spots of foxing, but generally clean. Wise notes that "In 1843, when advertising the present pamphlet for sale, Rodd asserted that it was a facsimile reprint of an alleged original edition of which the author was said to have printed twenty copies in 1816. No example of this mysterious original has ever been unearthed . My own opinion is that no original ever existed . The motto 'We pity the plumage but forget the dying bird' was taken by Shelley from Paine's 'Rights of Man', 1817, Pt.I, p. 24, 'He [Burke] pities the plumage but forgets the dying bird'. This clearly denies any impression of the address dated 1816". The pamphlet decries the difference between the public concern for the death of the Princess and their indifference to the plight of the poorest in society (plus ca change) and also examines the execution of the leaders of the Pentrich Rising. Wise, 'A Shelley Library', page 46 Size: 8vo.

Soft cover. Condition: Good. pp 16. 8vo. Stitched as issued. Browned throughout. Edges chipped, frail. Preserved in a custom built box covered in brown cloth with leather spine label. Wise p46. Rodd, 'when advertising the present pamphlet for sale [ ] asserted that it was a facsimile reprint of an alleged original edition of which the author was said to have printed twenty copies in 1816.' Wise argues that this is the first edition. His main points are 'One thing is certain, and that is that had Shelley printed such a pamphlet he would not have restricted its circulation to twenty copies. The motto 'We pity the plumage, but forget the dying bird' was taken by Shelley from Paine's Rights of Man, 1817, Part 1, p.24. 'He [Burke] pities the plumage but forgets the dying bird'. This clearly denies any impression of the Address dated 1816.' Princess Charlotte dies in 1817.

Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. 1st Edition. 16 pages. This rare essay was published anonymously by The Hermit of Marlow, now widely assumed to be Percy Bysshe Shelley. A great deal of mystery still surrounds this little pamphlet - whether it was ever published in 1817 at all (when Charlotte died); whether Shelley approved of the publication; etc. This copy is in very good condition, neatly sewn as it appears to have been issued. Safely stored in a custom box, with slipcase, leather spine stamped with gold titles. The date stamped on the spine is 1841, but there is little to support that date, despite the puzzle of the exact publication history. (Shelley died in 1822). Please email with further questions or to request photographs.