A stunning mid-Victorian edition of Thomas Grey's celebrated elegy, a sweeping and mournful poem concerning death as the great equaliser of mankind. Moved by the death of the poet Richard West in 1742, Gray crafted a poem that pictured the honourable lives of humble village folk being as worthy of remembrance as the lives of great historical figures. This edition is particularly attractive, featuring 16 striking colour plates printed from wood blocks.
In very good condition indeed, with only minor discolouration to the rear board and light spine wear. Interior very clean, gilt bright. Bound in red publisher's cloth with intricate gilt and black stamped ornamentation to the front board, gilt titles to the spine, brown endpapers, bevelled boards, all edges gilt. 28 x 18.5 cm. Pp. [v], 15, [3], [4] of facsimile manuscript, [2].
