The Grave. A Poem

London: T. Bensley for R. H. Cromek, 1808. First Edition. William Blake. 1st edition, quarto, (xiv), 36, [4]. of Blake’s illustrations for Blair’s 1743 poem. Portrait frontispiece after Phillips, etched title page, 11 plates by Luigi Schiavonetti engraved after Blake's designs. One of about 590 copies published by subscription. Some foxing, particularly concentrated at the portrait and etched title page, else very good in 20th century ¾ calf and marbled boards. In October 1805, Blake was commissioned by the publisher Cromek to prepare 40 drawings for the poem. Disagreements between Blake and Comek about the artistic direction led to hiring Schiavonetti for the engraving. Bentley, Blake Books, 435B. Bindman, Complete Graphic Works of Blake, 465-476. Keynes 81. Ray 6.