A SELECTION FROM THE WORKS OF ALFRED TENNYSON, 1872, HANDSOMELY BOUND

TENNYSON, Alfred. A Selection from the Works. London: Strahan, 1872. 12mo, contemporary full red morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spine and covers, raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $700.

Lovely edition of this collection of works by Tennyson, handsomely bound.

Tennyson “was one of the finest lyrists of the English tongue… Half at least of what he wrote the world would not willingly let die” (Kunitz & Haycraft, 612-13). “Tennyson in a sense is England’s Virgil. He is far more Latin than Greek, and he has the Roman poet’s high patriotic ardor as well as his emotional and pictorial beauty” (Kunitz & Haycraft, 612). This volume includes selections such as “The May Queen,” “The Lady of Shalott,” “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” and a portion of “Idylls of the King.” Bookplate of distinguished bibliophile and member of the Grolier Club, Abel E. Berland. “Mr. Berland kept none of his books behind glass to be venerated. They were all on open shelves in his library, to be lived with, touched and enjoyed. ‘The most important thing I can say to you about these books is that I never take them for granted… I am nothing more than their temporary keeper. It is my privilege to visit with them every day, and to be in their company” (New York Times). Contemporary school prize inscription.

A fine copy.