COWPER, William. Poems & The Task. A Poem, in Six Books. By William Cowper, of the Inner Temple, esq. To which are added, By the Same Author, An Epistle to Joseph Hill, Esq. Tirocinium, or a Review of Schools, and the History of John Gilpin. London: Printed for J. Johnson , 1782.
First edition with the errata on the final page and E6 & I6 cancels and the rare half-title in volume II. [iv], 367, [1, errata]; [vi], 359, [1] pp.. Two octavo volumes (7 3/8 x 4 11/16 inches).

Bound by Riviere & Son. Full brown morocco. Boards ruled in gilt. Spine decoratively stamped and lettered in gilt. All edges gilt. Gilt dentelles. Front board of volume two expertly repaired at joint. Open-end slipcase. Very good copy.

William Cowper (1731-1800), English pre-romantic poet. “His poetic career began late in life, with the production of hymns, didactic verse, nature lyrics, and religious poetry. His best-known poem is The Task [1785]. Others, also well known, include ‘Truth,’ ‘The Progress of Error,’ ‘Expostulation,’ ‘Hope,’ ‘Charity,’ ‘Conversation,’ and ‘Retirement,’ all published in 1782 (and here offered). He also translated Homer (1791), and on his death, left many letters and introspective autobiographical writings...His last work was the tragic poem ‘The Castaway’ (pub. 1803)” (Benét’s Reader’s Encyclopedia). This edition also contains "Verses" supposed to be written by Alexander Selkirk ("I am monarch of all I survey") and "On the Burning of Lord Mansfield's Library".

Hayward 191. Rothschild 681. Russell 68.

HBS # 64397 $850

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