The Poems of Ossian

Inverness: John Young. Hardcover. Very Good Condition. [3], v-xvii [18 blank], [19] 20-459 [460]. This is a curious edition of the Poems of Ossian. Three leaves of clearly 19th century text begin the volume, a title page, a preface (recto only) and a contents page printed both sides. The paper and printing then change very distinctly to either 18th century or very early 19th printing. The title page gives that this edition was 'published under the patronage of the Highland Society of Scotland' and then gives the clearly false date of 1762. The text of the various poems is preceded by a 'Dissertation Concerning the Era in which the Poet Lived' and followed by 'A Critical Dissertation' by the Late Rev. Hugh Blair. Careful comparison of the collation and signatures with the collection in the National Library of Scotland reveals that this is the edition they have shelfmarked Ossian98 and in their description it is given as published by John Young sometime between 1804 and 1823 but with a "spurious" title and preface. It remains a mystery who should have cobbled this together but maybe these were left-over sheets to which someone added the later prelims. The binding of heavily blindstamped cloth is consistent with a mid 19th century date rather than an early one. Very light wear and in very good condition. Size: Octavo (standard book size). Category: Poetry; .