Written In English
Published in London in 1839 by Scott, Webster, and Geary, The Poetical Works of Collins, Gray, and Beattie gathers together the celebrated poetry of William Collins, Thomas Gray, and James Beattie—three of the most important transitional figures bridging the Enlightenment and early Romanticism. The volume includes not only their finest works, such as Gray’s Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard and Collins’ Ode to Evening, but also brief memoirs of each poet, offering readers deeper insight into the emotional and historical backdrop that shaped their verses. At a time when the Victorian public was increasingly drawn to nostalgic and morally elevating literature, this collection was designed to meet that appetite, pairing serious literary appreciation with the growing fashion for handsome home libraries.
This particular edition is richly bound in dark calf leather, featuring beautiful blind-stamped designs on the covers and an ornate gilt-tooled spine with a black morocco label, lending it an unmistakable air of elegance. The edges of the pages are gilded—a luxurious feature that not only added beauty but also helped protect the text block from dust and humidity. Inside, the book is adorned with fine steel engravings, including a whimsical illustrated title page, all of which add another layer of charm and artistry to the piece.
In short, this 1839 edition is more than just a collection of poetry—it is a snapshot of a changing literary world, packaged in a format meant to be treasured both for its content and for its craftsmanship. It would have served not only as a source of reflection and refinement for its Victorian readers but also as a decorative showpiece in the growing middle-class home.
Condition:
Condition-wise, the volume remains in very good antique condition. The leather binding is solid, with intricate blind-stamped ornamentation that is still quite crisp, and the gilt spine decorations remain vivid. There is some light rubbing and a little wear at the spine tips and corners, which is expected for a book of this vintage. The gilt edges of the pages still shimmer beautifully. Internally, there is expected age-toning throughout, with some foxing—especially surrounding the plates and tissue guards—but the text remains clean and highly legible. The frontispiece and illustrated title show some light ghosting onto the opposite pages, a common characteristic of early engraved illustrations. Overall, it is a stunning, well-preserved example—ideal for collectors, lovers of classic poetry, or anyone who appreciates the quiet beauty of an early 19th-century literary treasure.
