Poems

"Poems" contains Bryant's best-known work, "Thanatopsis," first published in the North American Review in 1817 and revised in 1821 for this collection. Our copy is in the original brown paper over boards. There is some rubbing to the author's name on the front cover affecting the letters ANT in Bryant. Years ago, the spine was covered wih a strip of white paper (now tanned beige). The lower half of this strip has come unglued, showing the worn brown paper underneath. A conservator could possibly remove the paper strip. Our research indicates few copies remain with the original spine intact. Our copy now rests in a red cloth-covered chemise, which is then enclosed in a similar red cloth slipcase. The slipcase has a leather spine with the title "Poems" and author's last name and publication date in gilt, and five raised bands, also gilded; however, the lower bands have lost or are losing the gilt. Book interior is in very good condition with pages tanned and scattered light foxing. No extraneous writing or marks. Slipcase corners slightly rubbed; spine rubbed top and bottom with some loss of leather; a few scratches on leather front and back.