The Revolt of Islam; a poem, in twelve cantos.

SHELLEY, Percy Bysshe.

Published by London: for C. and J. Ollier, 1818

About this Item

First edition, revised issue with new title and cancels, and the 1818 date, as usual. This is a very nice copy of Shelley's poem, dedicated to Mary Shelley, with the errata leaf at the rear. In 1817 the publishers C. and J. Ollier agreed to publish Shelley's long poem, Laon and Cythna. Shelley's new father-in-law, William Godwin, recommended a master printer for the job, Buchanan Millan, who made minor alterations to the text without consulting the poet. Shelley wrote to the Olliers complaining about these liberties, whereupon the Olliers read the work for the first time and realised what they had agreed to publish. In the original version the titular lovers were brother and sister. London was alive with gossip about Shelley living with both Mary Godwin and her half-sister Claire Clairmont, and in contemporary usage, such a ménage was termed incest (St Clair, p. 432). Shelley therefore made alterations, removing any hint of incest, and gave the book a new title, The Revolt of Islam, by which it is still known. The book is made up from original sheets of Laon and Cythna, with 26 cancelled leaves and a new title leaf. A few copies were issued with the title misdated 1817; this is the second issue as usual, with the correct date. Ashley V, pp. 67-8; Forman, Shelley 50; Granniss 44; Tinker 1895. William St Clair, The Godwins and the Shelleys: A Biography of a Family, 1991. Octavo (223 x 144 mm). Early 20th-century red crushed morocco, spine with five raised bands, lettered and decorated in gilt, turn-ins richly gilt, blue endpapers, top edge gilt, others trimmed. Binding a little rubbed, a couple of corners lightly worn, short closed tear to title page skilfully repaired, a few small marginal stains to contents, otherwise clean internally. A very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 163729

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Revolt of Islam; a poem, in twelve cantos.
• Publisher: London: for C. and J. Ollier, 1818
• Edition: 1st Edition