James Thomson; Percival Stockdale — The Seasons

London, A. Hamilton, 1793. First edition. Leather. A calf-bound illustrated edition of this poetical series from James Thomson, the first with Percival Stockdale's notes. A beautifully illustrated edition of James Thomson's famous poem, 'The Seasons', the first edition to feature accompanying critical notes, an index, and a biographical account of the poet's life from Percival Stockdale, an English poet, writer and reformer. The first part, Winter, was published in 1726, and the completed poem cycle first appeared in 1730.Bound in full calf, with decorative gilt to the spine and board edges. Marbled endpapers. Illustrated with an engraved portrait frontispiece, engraved title page, headpieces and four engraved plates. Collated, complete. The Seasons, which reflects on the landscape of the countryside, was highly influential and popular for at least a century after its writing. From Scottish poet and playwright James Thomson, who is also known for The Castle of Indolence and for the lyrics of "Rule, Britannia!". Bound in full calf, with decorative gilt to the spine and board edges. Marbled endpapers. Externally, with rubbing to the extremities. Front joint is starting, but firm. Marks to the boards. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with scattered spotting to the first few leaves. Odd spot or handling mark to the remaining contents. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .