The Seasons, A Hymn, A Poem, To the Memory of Sir Isaac Newton, and Britannia, a Poem, by Mr. Thomson, Millan & Millar, London, 1730, Second edition

A smartly restored 1730 edition of one of the most celebrated and enduring poetic works of the 18th century. The Seasons by James Thomson, a Scottish poet,  brought fresh lyricism and philosophical reflection to the changing year, with each season explored in turn—beginning with Spring and moving through to Winter. Though Winter was originally published first in 1726, it was not until this collected form that Thomson's vision of nature's cycle was fully realised.

This edition also includes A Hymn (a concluding poetic reflection on nature and divinity), A Poem to the Memory of Sir Isaac Newton, and Britannia, all key examples of Thomson’s broader patriotic and intellectual concerns. A popular and influential work that helped shape the Romantic movement to come, The Seasons enjoyed wide readership throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Seasons, A Hymn, A Poem, To the Memory of Sir Isaac Newton, and Britannia, a Poem, by Mr. Thomson. Published for J. Millan and A. Millar, London, 1730. Second edition, following the first collected edition issued in the same year. Britannia printed by N. Blandford, for J. Millan, London. Effectively a collected volume of the various poetic parts.

A striking hardback in original contemporary full panelled calf leather with raised bands to spine. Covers have been expertly repaired and rebacked with the original spine retained, with strengthened head, tail and outer joints, leaving a strongly bound and secure volume. The spine retains the original gilt tooled decoration (now rubbed) and the original burgundy morocco gilded title label, with losses.

Text pages are near fine throughout and are remarkably clean. With the 4 illustrated engraved plates serving as frontispieces for each season. At the end of the book are Publisher's advertisements. Discreet owner's signature to main title page. Occasional owner's pencil annotations. A handsome volume.

Pagination:

Spring frontispiece, Main title of the book dated to 1730, Spring half title dedication and (1) Argument & Spring main title dated to 1731. 77pp + (3 Publisher's ads;

Summer frontispiece + Main title dated to 1730 and noted as 'The Third Addition with Additions" + Half title dedication + (1) Argument + 71pp + (1) Publishers ads; 

Autumn frontispiece + Main Title notes as The Second Edition and dated to 1730 + (1) Argument + 55pp ; 

Winter frontispiece + Main Title for Winter/Isaac Newton and dated to 1730 + Half title dedication + (1) Argument + 72pp + (1) blank + 56-69 'Isaac Newto'n' + (1) blank; 

Britannia main title dated to 1730 and noted as The Third Edition + 19pp + (1) J. Millan advertisements + (16) Thomas Worrall advertisements.

Dimensions: approx 203mm high x 134mm wide x 31mm deep.

Weight: approximately 526g (unpacked).