Poems of Mr. Gray

Glasgow: Robert and Andrew Foulis, 1768. First Scottish Edition. Contemporary full morocco with gilt to spine and boards. All edges gilt. Marbled endpapers. Measuring 295 x 220mm. Rebacked with original spine laid down; minor shelfwear to lower boards. Light staining to the upper corners of pages 16-17 with no text affected and occasional scattered foxing, else a clean copy.

A charming copy of Thomas Gray's influential and stirring poems, in a lovely fine binding. The English poet, scholar, and professor came from working class roots and would rise in prominence as an author -- even being offered the position of Poet Laureate following the release of his existentially driven Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard. Emphasizing themes of mortality in many of his odes and elegies, Gray was also adept at satire, as in the case of his memorable Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat.


ESTC T127821. Gaskell 475.