Books

London: Chapman and Hall, 1850. First Printing. Hardcover. Near fine. First printing, second state of publisher's address in title page imprint as is almost always the case, of the "New Edition," the first to include "Sonnets from the Portuguese." 2 volumes, 7.25 x 4.5 inches, finely bound in modern half dark green morocco, marbled boards, raised bands, red gilt spine labels; contents very good and clean, very minor stain to top edge of text block of second volume, minor toning; bound with the half titles, untrimmed. Unfortunately the second volume has a title page for Vol. I and is lacking the 4 pp. table of contents (the table of contents for the first volume is present). Barnes A6. As of this listing the next copy up is priced $7000. Recent auction records: 1912 Pounds for a set at Bonham's in 2022 for a set bound by Birdsall, rubbed and worn with one board detached; $3750 for a set at Hindman in Chicago in 2020, also bound by Birdsall, and 2375 Pounds for a set in original…

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.