The Poetical Decameron in Two Volumes
by J. Payne Collier, Ten Conversations on English Poets and Poetry
8 vo (8 ins.) Brown paper covered boards with tan title labels on black leatherette spines. Published by Archibald Constable and Company, Edinburgh, England in 1820. Printed by T. Davison, Whitefriars. Most of the pages are uncut, as issued; and so these books would appear unread. The side and bottom edges of the pages are rough cut. The paper has a strong, old fashioned feel. Volume one has a preface, an "induction" and a few pages titled "Notes and Corrections". Each "conversation" begins with a page outlining it's contents. Volume one has 336 pages, and volume two has 353 pages, including the index.
Our sources tell us that these volumes are true first editions and first printings with original covers. Volume one has 45 pages of pre-body text, numbered from vi to xlv. Page xlvi is blank. In volume two, page 353 has "A A" on the bottom right corner, and page 354 is blank. The page titled "Contents of the Second Conversation" is mistakenly bound twice into volume one; the first time between pages xlvi and page 1, and the second time in its proper place, page 75. The covers and end pages are unadorned.
Books by Netsifters
Condition: Very Good Plus. The covers and spine are lightly shelf worn. There is moderate rubbing and bumping. The bindings are tight and square. The covers are very good, with some light spots. There is chipping to the title labels, more to volume one than volume two. The interiors are near fine, with scattered foxing. Most of the pages are uncut, indicating that these books have received exceptional care. The first few pages have lightly curled corners. The end pages have some writing, in pencil.
This is the classic of imaginary conversations. The author has captured the spirit of Elizabethan poetry and poets. This set is a fine example of a writers ability to use imagination and knowledge in order to entertain and educate. The old-fashioned quality of the paper and binding makes this pair a treasure. These books are an important record; invaluable to the collector or to the historian!
Price: $195.00
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