Poems by William Cowper, of the Inner Temple, Esq.; In Two Volumes, J. Johnson, 1808, In Clamshell Box

This attractively restored 1808 edition of Poems by William Cowper (1731-1800), is presented as a two-volume set housed in a finely crafted custom clamshell case. Printed by T. Bensley for J. Johnson, it reflects the continued popularity of Cowper’s verse in the early 19th century, with content ranging from introspective meditations to vivid reflections on nature and society. The books have been expertly rebacked, preserving their original tiger-striped calf boards and incorporating gilt tooling and new endpapers. The volumes are complemented by engraved plates (after Henry Fuseli) and show clean, crisp text throughout, with some foxing to the illustrations.

Poems by William Cowper, of the Inner Temple, Esq.; In Two Volumes; A New Edition. 

Printed for J. Johnson, by T. Bensley, London, 1808. This is the 'New Edition' rather than the more common 'Stereotype Edition' issued in the same year. It has high quality engravings and is printed from traditional movable type rather than fixed plates.

An expert restoration where these hardbacks have retained their original spine and covers, which have been rebacked onto tan leather backing. Covers with tiger-striped calf and with with tooled gilt border decoration. The spines in darker leather with gilt tooling and 2 red morocco labels with gilt titles per volume. Inside their are gilt dentelles and new brown endpapers. All soundly bound.

The custom-made clamshell box had black cloth outer and tan cloth with mustard paper interior. There is also a matching divider card between volumes. In fine condition with one interior corner with wear through the mustard coloured paper.

Text pages are in beautifully clean, fine condition throughout. The engravings have some light foxing (mainly marginal), with some spotted offsetting opposite. The final plate in volume I with marginal nibbled loss to lower edge. Previous owner's signature to titles.

A handsomely presented set.

Text in English.

Vol I: xvi + 438pp + 5 Engraved Plates, including frontispiece; 

Vol II: vi + (2) + 427pp + 3 Engraved Plates, including frontispiece.  

ALL plates as called for.

Dimensions: Clamshell box; approx 239mm high x 159mm wide x 76mm deep.

Each volume approx. 215mm high x 139mm wide x 32-34mm deep.

Weight: approximately 1.7kg (the set with box - unpacked).