William Hayward Roberts — Poems

London, J. Wilkie, 1774. Leather. The scarce poetical collection of William Hayward Roberts, an English schoolmaster, poet and Provost of Eton College. A new edition. First published in 1774. Bound in full embossed calf, with raised bands and marbled endpapers. Bound with the original blanks.  Containing 'A Poetical Essay on the Existence of God' in two parts, 'A Poetical Epistle to Chritopher Anstey on the English Poets', 'The Poor Man's Prayer. Addressed to the Earl of Chatham', and 'Arimant and Tamira. An Eastern Tale. In the Manner of Dryden's Fables&apos. Written by William Hayward Roberts, whose poetical aspirations were encouraged whilst at Eton by his father Richard Roberts of Abergavenny, then an usher at the school.  After the death of Edward Barnard, Roberts was appointed Provost of Eton College on 12 December 1781. Bound in full embossed calf, with raised bands and marbled endpapers. Externally, smart, with front joint starting but firm, and shelf wear. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with occasional light scattered spots. Ownership ink inscription to verso of front free endpaper, dated 1881. Good . Ill.: None. Good .