The Lay of the Last Minstrel, A Poem

London: Longman, Hurst, Rees and Orme; A. Constable; James Ballantyne, 1809 . Leather. Good. 9" by 8.5". None. A smart copy of the tenth edition of Sir Walter Scott's narrative poem, set in the Scottish borders in the mid sixteenth century. The tenth edition of this work, first published in 1805.Arranged in six cantos in iambic tetrameter, contemporary reviewers praised Scott's poem for his choice of picturesque subject and portrayal of sixteenth century border society.With the original half title. With the inscription Samuel Jones, 1813, to a front endpaper.Described by Scott as 'a sort of Romance of Border Chivalry & inchantment [sic]', the poem tells the story of an aging minstrel, who seeks out hospitality at Newark Castle, and tells the hostess, Duchess of Buccleuch, a tale about sixteenth century Border feud. In a full calf binding. Rubbing to joints, back strip head and tail, and board perimeters. Repairs to spine head and tail, with back strip laid down. Losses to spine label. Joints starting, with boards firmly held. Inscription to front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages lightly age toned, with the odd spot. Good