BROWNING, Elizabeth Barrett (1806-1861). Poems. London: Edward Moxon, 1844.
2 volumes, 8vo. Original green cloth [Carter binding B, second priority] framed and embossed in blind, spines gilt-lettered (spines darkened, some splitting and chipping at spine ends); cloth chemise and slipcase. Provenance: Contemporary gift inscription dated 1847.
FIRST EDITION, EARLY IMPRESSION, with the following points: Vol. 1, p. [1] measures 8.0 cm from direction line to the fly title (first impression); lines 11-12 p.141 read "...let the flood/Of your salt scorn dash on me!" (first impression); Vol. 2, pp.160, 163 correctly numbered (first impression); p.275 with the words "THE END" (second impression). Barrett's Poems were "so highly regarded, that when Wordsworth died in 1850, her name was widely canvassed as his most appropriate successor as Poet Laureate..." (Oxford Companion of English Literature, 1985). Barnes EB5; Carter, pp.95-96; Hayward 239; Wise/Ashley pp.94-95.
[With:] BROWNING. Poems Before Congress. London: Chapman and Hall, 1860. Half-title; 1p. advertisements at end. Later dark plum morocco gilt, stamp-signed by Alfred Matthews; slipcase. FIRST EDITION.
This lot is located in Chicago.
