[Blake, William- Two Works Bound Together] Ballads. founded on Anecdotes relating to Animals [bound with] The Death of Abel, by Solomon Gessner

First Edition. 8vo. 2 works in 1 vol. Bound in attractive contemporary tree calf, modern spine, with gilt design bordering. Featuring half-title, 5 superb engraved plates by William Blake (plates 1-3 in second state), and bound together with Gessner, "Solomon, The Death of Abel," translated by Mary Collyer, with four engraved plates, published by H. Richter, 1803. Contemporary ink signature of Mary Zenor to head of both titles, light foxing, binding a little rubbed, small bump to fore-edge of upper cover, expertly rebacked with gilt-ruled spine and morocco label. Four of Hayley's ballads were issued in parts in 1802 with 3 plates by Blake as part of a projected 15 parts to aid Blake's financial state. Due to poor sales no more were issued until this collected edition as an attempt to recover costs.