First Edition, First Issue
Deserted Village, a Poem.
London: W. Griffin, 1770.
First edition, first issue (with the incorrect 'Careless' as the catch-word on p. 9, rather than 'Thus'). Quarto (10 1/8 x 8 1/8 inches; 258 x 207 mm). vii, [1, blank], 23, [1, blank] pp. Complete with half-title. Engraved vignette on title page by Isaac Taylor, captioned "The Sad Historian on the Pensive Plain.".
Bound by Riviere & Son in full polished calf. Boards triple-ruled in gilt with small flower corner devices. Spine with two red morocco spine labels, lettered and stamped in gilt. Gilt board edges and gilt dentelles. All edges gilt. Leaf C2 with some foxing and a small burn hole, not affecting text. Overall a near fine copy of the classic of English verse. Housed in a quarter cloth clamshell.
"The Deserted Village, pastoral elegy by Oliver Goldsmith, published in 1770. Considered to be one of his major poems, it idealizes a rural way of life that was being destroyed by the displacement of agrarian villagers, the greed of landlords, and economic and political change." (Brittanica)
Rothschild 1032.
HBS 68775.
$2,000.
Price: $2,000.00
Item #68775