Poems & Ballads (1st issue, 2nd state)

SWINBURNE, Algeron Charles

Published by London: Edward Moxon & Co, 1866

About this Item

Octavo. 1st edition, 1st issue (The book was reissued by John Camden Hotten later in the year with their imprint, which is the issue usually found), 2nd state (with the errors on pages 84 & 90 still present, but all others appear to have been corrected). Beautifully bound in full morocco with gilt. Details & raised bands retaining the original green wrappers & 8 pages of advertisements (confirming to Wise's 1st issue points) bound in custom slipcase that is 1/4 leather with matching chemise. Contemporary ownership inscription on title page, minor foxing & age toning to papers. Some loss and soiling of paper to slipcase back edge, otherwise very good. "It was a dazzling collection. Swinburne had developed an original poetic voice, lyrical and possessed of an energy only matched in the period by Gerard Manley Hopkins, and written in a marvelous variety of stanza forms and meters The book was learned and cosmopolitan in outlook. It established Swinburne as not only the leading new poet of the day but an international icon for progressive thinkers. In the late 1860s and 1870s Swinburne's very name seemed a trumpet blast for those who wanted a more liberal, less puritanical society" (ODNB). "It is doubtful whether many unaltered copies of the book got into circulation. Even with the Moxon title and the corrected leaves the book is by no means common" (Wise, p. 115). Seller Inventory # 347

Bibliographic Details

Title: Poems & Ballads (1st issue, 2nd state)

Publisher: London: Edward Moxon & Co

Publication Date: 1866

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Near Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

Edition: 1st Edition