Life of William Blake, "Pictor Ignotus"; With Selections From His Poems and Other Writings, in two volumes complete

London: Macmillan, 1863. 1st. Hardcover. Very Good. First edition of the original biography of Blake, which brought him public attention for the first time. Completed by Dante Gabriel Rossetti after Gilchrist's death. Ex-library. Recased in brown cloth, with original front and back leather covers affixed, stamped in illustrated gilt. Spines stamped in gilt. The text is beautifully illustrated throughout, "in facsimilé by W.J. Linton, and in photolithography," and features many illustrations from Blake's original plates. Library numbers in white ink on spines, blind stamp to title pages and at bottom of page 41 in both volumes. Otherwise the text blocks are in fine condition. Cloth binding is near fine, with infinitesimal rubbing to corners, heads and heels of spines. Library pouches and newspaper clippings neatly affixed to endpapers. 5 3/4 x 9 inches. 657 combined pages plus plates.