James Thomson — The Seasons

Frederick-Town, John P. Thomson, 1810. Leather. A US provincial printing of James Thomson's influential poem of the seasons, prefixed with an author's biography. This provincial edition printed for Frederick-Town, Maryland. In a contemporary full calf binding, with red morocco spine label. Bound with the original endpapers and blanks.  Originally issued one season at a time from 1726-1730, The Seasons reflects on the landscape of the countryside, and was highly influential and popular for at least a century after its writing, stimulating the works of Joshua Reynolds, John Christopher Smith and J. M. W. Turner.  From Scottish poet and playwright James Thomson, who is also known for The Castle of Indolence and for the lyrics of "Rule, Britannia!".  Prefixed with a life of the author, not credited.  In a contemporary full calf binding, with red morocco spine label. Externally, rubbed, with loss to the spine label. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are toned, with scattered spots. Contemporary ink inscription to the front blank and title page. Minor loss to the front free endpaper. Good Only . Ill.: None. Good Only .