Asolando: Fancies and Facts, Robert Browning — 1st Edition

£50.00

Asolando: Fancies and Facts, Robert Browning — 1st Edition

Name: Asolando: Fancies and Facts, Robert Browning — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5316
Price: 50.00 GBP
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Publication: London, Smith, Elder, & Co., 1890

Formatting: 8vo, pp. viii, 157, [2].

Condition Report: Very Good. The publisher's original red cloth binding remains impressively tight and structurally sound, showing only moderate signs of shelf-wear typical for its age, including slight bumping to the corners and light rubbing to the head and tail of the spine. The decorative black stamping to the boards and the gilt lettering on the spine are still suitably sharp and legible, though the cloth exhibits some minor handling marks and subtle darkening to the spine panel. Internally, the text block is pleasingly firm and the pages are generally crisp; however, there is scattered foxing present, primarily restricted to the endpapers, preliminary leaves, and the untrimmed page edges, which is customary for the paper stock of this era. The hinges are secure, and there are no tears, internal institutional stamps, or obtrusive markings, making this a highly presentable and well-preserved survival.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition of Robert Browning's final collection of poetry. Notably, although the title page bears the publication year of 1890, the volume was actually published on the 12th of December 1889, which poignantly coincided with the very day of Browning's death in Venice. The book features the publisher’s advertisements bound at the rear, a standard bibliographical point for this first printing.

The volume is presented in its primary publisher's binding of red cloth over bevelled boards, distinguished by black-stamped decorative borders. First editions of Asolando represent a significant milestone in Victorian literature and remain relatively accessible on the open market; however, copies preserved in tight, original cloth without significant restoration are increasingly sought after by collectors of nineteenth-century verse.

Asolando: Fancies and Facts stands as the poignant final testament of Robert Browning, one of the foremost and most innovative poetic voices of the Victorian era. Released to the public on the very day of his passing, this collection weaves together the profound philosophical reflections, dramatic monologues, and tender lyrical verses that defined his illustrious career. The title itself, derived from "Asolo," the Italian town Browning deeply admired, and a Latinized play on Cardinal Bembo's term asolare (to disport in the open air), perfectly encapsulates the book's dual nature: a joyful observation of the natural world and a deeply contemplative reckoning with mortality, love, and truth. It remains an essential work for anyone wishing to understand the culmination of Browning's literary and spiritual journey.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Robert Browning

Book Publisher: Smith, Elder, & Co.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 167

Book Publication Year: 1890

Book Publication Date: December 12, 1889

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.