The Poetical Works of Alexander Pope: With a Memoir, Vol. I
Alexander Pope
đź“š Genre
Poetry, Neoclassical Literature, Satire
🏢 Publisher
Little, Brown, and Company (Boston)
đź“… Publication Year
1866
🔢 ISBN
N/A (Pre-ISBN era)
About This Book
A collection of poems by the definitive English poet of the Enlightenment, Alexander Pope. This volume includes a biographical memoir of the author and typically contains his famous works like 'The Rape of the Lock' or his translations. The title page features red and black letterpress printing with a central wreath emblem containing the motto 'Ferendo et Sperando' (By enduring and hoping).
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
Approximately 300 to 500 pages per volume
Edition
1866 Little Brown / Riverside Press reprint. Hardcover. Often part of the 'British Poets' series edited by Francis James Child.
Series
Part of a multi-volume set (Volume 1 of typically 3 volumes) in the 'British Poets' collection.
Target Audience
Adult, Scholars of 18th-century literature, Collectors of fine press and antique books.
Collector Information
Condition
Fair to Good. There is significant foxing (brown spotting) on the left-hand page and early signs of tanning/toning along the edges. The paper appears to be deckle-edged (rough-cut).
Estimated Value
$20-$40 USD for a single volume; $80-$150 for a complete, well-preserved set.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not technically 'rare' in the sense of unique manuscripts, complete sets from the mid-19th century in good condition are becoming harder to find, especially with the two-color title pages intact.
Historical Significance
Alexander Pope was a central figure in the Neoclassical movement. This 19th-century American edition follows the scholarly standards set by the Riverside Press, contributing to the canonization of British literature in the United States.
Collector Notes
Collectibility is heavily dependent on the presence of the other volumes in the set. As a single volume (Vol 1), value is minimal. Collectors should check for acid-free storage to prevent further foxing. Look for the binding style—these were often bound in green or brown cloth, and leather-bound versions command much higher premiums. Verify if the frontispiece portrait is present, as it is often missing.
Similar Books
'The Poetical Works of John Milton' by John Milton, 'The Poetical Works of John Keats' by John Keats, 'An Essay on Man' by Alexander Pope, 'The Poems of Jonathan Swift' by Jonathan Swift.
Notable Features
Two-color title page (Red and Black ink), part of the Little Brown 'British Poets' series. No visible signatures or unique inscriptions.