Poetical Works

1839. First Edition. SHELLEY, Percy Bysshe. The Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley. Edited by Mrs. Shelley. London: Edward Moxon, 1839. Four volumes. 12mo, later full dark green calf, raised bands, tan and rust morocco spine labels, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, marbled endpapers and edges. $4000.First edition of Mary Shelley’s important edition of her husband’s poetical works, with engraved frontispiece portrait of the poet by Finden, finely bound..After Percy Shelley's death in 1822, Mary Shelley devoted herself to writing his biography and publishing his manuscripts. She first attempted to publish Shelley's poems in 1824, but his father, Sir Timothy Shelley, prevented further publication of Shelley's writings for 15 years. ""In 1839, the obstacles to an authentic edition having been removed… Mrs. Shelley published what was then supposed to be a definitive edition in four volumes, enriched with biographical notes and some very beautiful lyrics which had remained in manuscript"" (DNB). Lowndes, 2374. A beautifully bound set in excellent condition.