The Task; Table Talk, and Other Poems; The Minor Poems [3 Vols.]

by William Cowper

plates by Richard Westall

Three volumes.  London:  John Sharpe, 1817 

Leatherbound set is overall in VERY GOOD condition.

• Emerald morocco covers with gilt borders and blindstamping.  
• Boards show some bumps, wear at shoulders, edgewear.  Corners are bumped, scuffed, with exposed board.  See photos.
• Spines have raised bands, gilt stamped partitions and titles and are a little darkened with chipped, frayed ends.  See photos.
• Bindings are strong. 
• Pastedowns and feps have a few bookseller marks, a gift inscription.  
• Frontispieces are present in each volume, with intact tissue guards.  
• Illustrations are bright and clear, some with scattered foxing, lightly foxed tissue guards.
• Interior is gently age-toned, exhibits some marginal toning, scattered light foxing, some smudges. 
• Inside pages are free of writing and intentional marks.
• Text block edges have All Edges Gilt.  
• PS2026.1105

640 pages. 3 5/8 x 6 1/2 inches

Three volumes of poetry by William Cowper.  Contemporary green morocco, with elaborate gilt stamped borders and blindstamped frame, all edges gilt.  Engraved frontispieces and additional illustrations from drawings by R. Westall.  Gift inscription dated 1820.  A little exposure to spines and some wear at shoulders and spine ends.  Scattered, generally light foxing to the interiors.  Overall, a very pretty set in Very Good condition. 

The three volumes are made up of The Task, Table Talk and Other Poems, and The Minor Poems (in two parts, bound together).  One of the most popular poets of his time, William Cowper (1731-1800) changed the direction of 18th-century nature poetry by writing of everyday life and scenes of the English countryside.  In many ways, he was a forerunner of Romantic poetry.

The engraved frontispieces and plates are from drawings by R. Westall.  Richard Westall RA (1765-1836), was an English painter and prolific book illustrator.  This attractive edition was published by John Sharpe, well printed by Charles Whittingham.  A second, similar edition was issued in 1825.    

Please see photos. More photos available upon request.

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