POEMS OF THE LATE FRANCIS SCOTT KEY - 1857 [1st Ed]

$2,300.00

Poems of the Late Francis S. Key

by Francis Scott Key

with an introductory letter by Chief Justice Taney

FIRST EDITION. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1857.

Hardback is overall in VERY GOOD condition.

Volume is in overall very good condition with mild damage to covers mostly from fading, and foxing inside.
Faded brown cloth covers feature blind-tooled decoration identical on front and back, with moderate overall fading.
Boards show mild edge and shelf wear from rubbing and fading.
Corners are gently rubbed, with minor bumping.
Spine has blind-tooled and gilt text and decorations, and is considerably sunned and faded.
Binding is overall secure.
Yellow endpapers show mild overall toning with a light ink/damp stain along edges of front, and a corner crease on back.
Front pastedown features ExLibris bookplate with owner signature written in pencil and first edition in red ink on opposite page. (See photos)
Interior displays minimal overall toning with some scattered foxing throughout.
Inside pages are free of writing and intentional marks.
Interior shows occasional light staining which minimally affects text.
Text block edges show partial gilt along head and front, and are moderately toned with some foxing, pronounced along foot.
Book may exhibit additional minor signs of age or wear.
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203 pages + 12 pages of publisher ads. 4.75 x 6.75 inches.

The most sublime and inspiring poems to have been laid down by the pen of the great American lawyer and author, are gathered here in an exceptional antiquarian volume. It is introduced by a letter from Chief Justice Taney, fifth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1836 to 1864, who was personally acquainted with the poet. It states the events which inspired the Star-Spangled Banner, the US national anthem, and is prefaced with a beautiful text of praise from Henry V. D. Johns. "Key's moving poetry is a treat and a gem to any who love the pure and beautiful, of whatever land."

PROVENANCE: ExLibris bookplate and signature from Benjamin Brown French.

Benjamin Brown (B.B.) French (1800–1870), lived in Washington, D.C. for nearly 40 years, holding a number of publicly appointed positions in the government. During his time as Commissioner of Public Buildings, he played a role in extending the U.S. Capitol and building the Capitol Dome. He also oversaw a number of historical events including the Gettysburg Address and the funeral of Abraham Lincoln. Much more can be found on the internet. He was a key figure of his time, and this book passed through his hands. Will it become part of your library next?

AS IS! Please see photos. More photos available upon request.

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Binding: Hardcover

Original/Facsimile: Original

Special Attributes: Ex-libris

Region: North America

Language: English

Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

Subject: Literature & Fiction