Item #2408098 The library a poem. George CRABBE.
The library a poem.

The library a poem.

London: J. Dodsley, 1781.

Quarto, 36 pp. (with terminal blank); in modern half polished tan calf.

First edition, scarce. The work was published for subscribers, apparently in an edition of around 250: books 'give new views to life, and teach us how to live'.

First edition, scarce. The work was published for subscribers, apparently in an edition of around 250: books 'give new views to life, and teach us how to live'.

Although he had published Inebrity in 1775, by the early 1780s Crabbe was living in destitution, reliant on the 'kindness of the wigmaker with whom he lodged' (CHEL). In desperation, he left some manuscript poems with Edmund Burke who was sufficiently impressed to oversee their publication. It was Burke who chose this as the first work to be published and it was an immediate success.

Condition Report: Title lightly foxed, but a very good copy.

Price (AUD): $1,250.00

US$821.22   Other currencies

Ref: #2408098

Condition Report