The Pleasures of Memory. A poem, in two parts.

First edition, published anonymously, of one of Roger's most beloved poems. Byron, "perhaps Rogers's most notable admirer" (ODNB), praised it in a letter to Thomas Moore: "His elegance is really wonderful - there is no such thing as a vulgar line in the book". "The two-part poem, written in elegant but relaxed heroic couplets, begins with a nostalgic tour around the village of Rogers's childhood, and moves through various scenes to explore and illustrate the 'associating principle', of the faculty of memory. It concludes with a poignant invocation to Rogers's dead brother Thomas" (ODNB). ESTC T55698. L. Marchand ed., Byron's Letters and Journals, Vol. III, 1973, p. 107. Quarto (237 x 177 mm). Early 20th-century sprinkled quarter calf, spine with raised bands, gilt lettering to compartments, marbled sides. Contemporary ownership inscription of one "Ja.[?] Steen" to title page. Small remnant of book label to front pastedown. Binding square and bright, headcap a bit worn, light browning from binder's paste to margins of first and last leaves, occasional marks to contents, but otherwise internally bright and clean. A very good copy.…