This beautiful mid Victorian edition of The Complete Poetical Works of William Cowper was published by Gall and Inglis in Edinburgh around 1853 and is a striking example of nineteenth century gift book craftsmanship. Bound in rich green morocco leather with an intricate gilt tooled cover and spine, raised bands, decorative gilt compartments, and bright gilt page edges, it has all the hallmarks of a high quality presentation volume. Inside are Cowper’s full collected poems, including The Task, John Gilpin, Tirocinium, and the Olney Hymns, accompanied by eight finely engraved steel plates that bring the dramatic and serene moments of his poetry to life. A period inscription dated December 12, 1853 and a later ownership note from Salisbury in 1946 add a wonderful sense of provenance and personality. This is the kind of decorative antique book that appeals to both literature lovers and collectors who want a statement piece for a library, bookshelf, or desk. Cowper’s writing bridges the elegance of Georgian verse and the emotional depth of the early Romantic period, making this volume as meaningful to read as it is beautiful to display.
Condition:
This antique book is in very good condition for its age and shows gentle, natural wear that adds to its charm. The green morocco leather binding remains sturdy with light rubbing to the spine ends and corners, while the gilt decoration on the covers and spine is still bright and eye catching. The gilt page edges are clean and glowing. Inside, the pages show the warm age toning typical of mid nineteenth century paper with scattered foxing around some of the engraved plates. The hinges are secure and the binding remains tight. The book retains a printed bookplate and two handwritten ownership notes that add to its historical appeal. Overall, it is a well preserved and highly decorative Victorian volume.
