Pleasure: A Poem in Seven Books

The very scarce signed first edition of a delightful poetical work on Pleasure, written in heroic verse by Cornish poet Nicholas Michell. The very scarce and signed first edition of a fascinating poetry collection on Pleasure: A Poem in Seven Books, written by Cornish poet Nicholas Michell. Published by William Tegg in 1859. There is only one copy held in seven libraries institutionally.In the publisher's original cloth, with decorative blind stamp detail. The poet's gift inscription and signature appear on the front free end paper. A beautiful engraved frontispiece by H. Adlard. Contains original advertisements of Michell's other works on final leaf.Encouraged by Thomas Campbell, Michell wrote in many poetic annuals before landing recognition for Ruins of Many Lands, published in 1849. Pleasure was written ten years later as an established poet.Written in heroic verse, Michell criticises both the stoics and the epicureans on their refrain and indulgence of pleasure respectively, and instead focuses on how pleasure depends on the individual. What follows is a remarkable work that focuses on the pleasures achieved by Napoleon from his victories, Raphael from his artworks, and Milton from his genius.As a romantic poet, Michell celebrates the power of nature for offering pleasure. In the publisher's original cloth, with decorative blind stamp detail. Externally, very smart with minimal marks. Minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine, with marginal signs of shelf wear. Fading to the front board, heavier to the spine. End papers are generally bright and clean, with minor browning to the extremities. Poet's ink inscription and signature on the front free end paper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, with slight spotting to extremities of frontispiece. Very Good.…