Poems. - 1797

Bristol and London: for J. Cottle and Messrs. Robinsons,, 1797. A very attractive copy Second edition, revised and expanded from the first, of Coleridge's first collection of poetry, preceding the Lyrical Ballads by a year. First published the previous year as Poems on Various Subjects, this edition adds a preface and eleven new poems by Coleridge, as well as four further poems by Charles Lamb. In his later fame, Coleridge disavowed the collection as juvenilia; among the shorter pieces is his "Effusion... to a young Ass", for which he was roundly mocked. This copy has a pleasing literary provenance, from the library of English poet Maurice Baring (1874-1945), with his engraved bookplate designed by his friend Hilaire Belloc on the front pastedown. Small octavo (161 x 104 mm). Contemporary calf, skilfully rebacked and recornered preserving original morocco spine labels, gilt rule border to covers, top edge brown, fore and bottom edges sprinkled brown, new endpapers. Housed in a custom half morocco slipcase and chemise by James Macdonald Co. of New York. Book label to front free endpaper, neat contemporary ownership inscription to title page. Extremities lightly rubbed, small spot of wear to outer edge of front board, first gathering slightly proud, a few marks to title page and occasional soiling to contents. A very good copy. ESTC N11843; Tinker 679; Wise 11.