The Seasons by James Thomson, with An Account of His Life and Writings, scarce printing from Chalmers, Dundee, 1808

James Thomson's The Seasons was one of the most celebrated and widely read poems of the eighteenth century, combining descriptive nature poetry with reflections on rural life, morality and the changing rhythms of the natural world. First published in stages between 1726 and 1730, the work proved highly influential on later Romantic writers through its vivid treatment of landscape and atmosphere. This 1808 Dundee edition includes an account of Thomson's life and writings, and is illustrated with attractive etched frontispieces introducing each of the four seasonal sections.

The Seasons by James Thomson, with An Account of His Life and Writings.

Published by Chalmers, Kay & Co., Dundee, 1808.

A good hardback with tan calf leather spine with marbled paper over boards. Covers rubbed, bumped and have weakened joints - particularly the front, which is largely held just by binding cords.

Text block is good throughout, although weakly bound - bright and clear with deckled edges, with a variety of page widths. Occasional light scattered spot or minor page flaw commensurate with age. The frontispiece etchings to each section are attractive and clear. With engraved portrait frontispiece to the book, and 2 pencilled owner's inscriptions.

An unusual edition of this acclaimed work.

xv + 209pp; each 'season' preceded with a frontispiece etching, title, and 'the argument' page.

Dimensions: approx 215mm high x 145mm wide x 25mm deep.

Weight: approximately 390g (unpacked).