London: Printed by R. Noble for R. Edwards, 1797. First illustrated edition. Folio. viii, (ii), 95 pp.; with ad leaf at front, but without the scarce Explanation leaf (frequently lacking). Illustrated with four engraved sectional title-pages and 39 splendid engraved pictorial borders, by and after Blake. Three-quarter brown calf over brown linen-covered boards, stamped in blind and in gilt, front board detached, extremities scuffed, boards rubbed; red speckled edges; two book-plates on front paste-down; small library ink stamp on title-page recto; pencil notations along lower gutter on ad leaf; scattered soiling and moderate toning to leaves; scattered light offsetting. Bentley & Nurmi 422; Bentley 515

Originally published between 1742-45, this first illustrated edition of Edward Young's popular poem features 43 engravings by a then little-known journeyman printer, William Blake. In preparation for the illustrations, Blake completed 537 preparatory watercolors over two years, 200 of which he planned to engrave. Although Blake set out to illustrate all nine parts of Young's verse, only four parts were completed before the project was cancelled, due in part to the extraordinary expense and the volume's poor reception.