Memorials of a Residence on the Continent, and Historical Poems
London: Edward Moxon, 1838. First edition. Hardcover. Octavo (8 x 5 1/2"). XI, [1], 166pp. Contemporary 3/4 calf over marbled paper covered boards, with gilt-lettered title label on spine. Raised bands.
This first edition of Milnes' "Memorials of a Residence on the Continent, and Historical Poems" highlights how meditative and delicate the author's poetry is. Some of his ballads were among the most popular of their day. Milnes's chief distinctions were his keen sense of literary merit in others, and the judgment and magnanimity with which he fostered it. He was surrounded by the most brilliant men of his time, many of whom he had been the first to acclaim.
However, his reputation rests largely on the part he played, as a man of influence in society and in moulding public opinion on literary matters, in connection with his large circle of talented friends. He secured a pension for Tennyson, helped to make Ralph Waldo Emerson known in Britain, and was one of the earliest champions of Algernon Charles Swinburne.
Lord Carlingford's Ex-Libris, with coat of arms and armorial motto: Forte Scutum Salus Ducum ("A Strong Shield is the Salvation of Leaders") on inside of front cover.
Binding age-toned and rubbed along edges, with some abrasion to calf. Previous owner's annotation in ink on fly leaf "Carlingford, Chewton Priory. Mrs Norton's copy. Bought at the sale after her death." Minor and sporadic foxing throughout. Binding in overall fair to good-, interior in good+ to very good condition. f to vg. Item #41422
Price: $150.00