James Thomson; Patrick Murdoch — The Seasons

London, J. Rivington and Sons, T. Payne and Sons et. al. 1793. Leather. A bright early printing of this poetical series from James Thomson, complete with four lovely engraved plates. A new edition of the completed poem cycle in one volume. The first part, Winter, was published in 1726, and the completed poem cycle first appeared in 1730. Bound in full contemporary speckled calf. Bound with the original endpapers and blanks. Bound without half title, as issued. Illustrated with four plates, one for each season. 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. This particular edition precedes the especially lavish editions which were produced between 1830 and 1870. From Scottish poet and playwright James Thomson, who is also known for The Castle of Indolence and for the lyrics of "Rule, Britannia!". The poems are preceded by a 'Life of the Author' written by Patrick Murdoch. Bound in full contemporary speckled calf. Externally, with rubbing to the extremities. Loss to the inner lower corner of the front board. Scratches to the boards and minor loss to the spine head and tail. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean, with the odd spot. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .