James Thomson — The Seasons

London, T Bensley for J Wallis, 1805. First edition. Leather. A scarce, large paper copy of this Bewick illustrated copy of James Thomson's noted poem 'The Seasons&apos. Being the first Bewick edition of this poem, with nine engravings by Bewick after designs by John Thurston. Collated, this copy has been bound without the vignette title page. Inscription to the recto of front endpaper, 'Robert Barley Jun from his affectionate parents Jany 1831&apos. This edition of 'The Seasons' was issued in three edition, foolscap, demy octavo and royal octavo. This is a large paper, royal octavo copy. It was printed on a higher quality superfine wove paper, with larger type. In addition the illustrations are full-size rather than the scaled down landscape illustrations in the cheaper editions. 'The Seasons' is a cycle of four poems by Scottish poet James Thomson. It is a lengthy blank verse poem, reflecting on the landscape of the countryside. The poem proved to be very influential and inspired works by the likes of Joseph Haydn, Thomas Gainsborough and J M W Turner. In a full calf binding, with gilt stamping to the spine. Externally, very smart, with just some light rubbing to the board edges. Front hinge is strained but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright, with the occasional light spots to pages. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: John Thurston; Thomas Bewick. Very Good Indeed .