Books

First edition of Sonnets from the Portuguese, Barnes' typical second state of publisher's address on both volumes. Second overall edition of Browning's Poems; the sonnets did not appear in the first.362, [2]; viii, 480 pp. Complete in two volumes. Leather with five raised bands, gilt spine lettering and turn-ins, all edges gilt. Very Good with leather rubbed and scuffed along edges, tear to head of Vol. II; gift note dated 1851 to first blank in first volume, with a later note in pencil facing it. Hinges tender. Some scattered light foxing throughout. Bound with half-titles. The first appearance of Browning's acclaimed 44 love sonnets, some of the most popular poems of the Victorian era.

A collection of 44 love sonnets, 'Sonnets from the Portuguese' is one of Browning's most famous works and was composed during her courtship with Robert Browning.