Poems, John Ruskin — 1st Edition

£63.15

Poems, John Ruskin — 1st Edition

Name: Poems, John Ruskin — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6814
Price: 63.15 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1882.

Formatting: 8vo, pp. vi, 233, [1].

Condition Report: Very Good. Bound in the publisher's original blind-stamped dark cloth with gilt titling and a central floral motif to the upper board, this copy remains structurally sound though it bears the hallmarks of historical handling. The extremities are gently bumped, with noticeable rubbing to the spine ends and corner tips, alongside minor scuffing and faint discolouration patches to the rear board. The gilt lettering remains relatively bright, providing a pleasing contrast against the dark cloth. Internally, the text block is securely bound, with the etched frontispiece ('The Old Water Wheel') intact and accompanied by its protective tissue guard. The pages display moderate, age-appropriate toning and scattered light foxing, primarily restricted to the preliminary leaves and page edges, but remain supple and clean for reading.

Catalogue Note: This 1882 first American collected edition of John Ruskin’s poetical works was compiled and edited by the American bibliographer James Osborne Wright. This publication is notable for bringing together Ruskin's earlier verse for an American audience, prior to the expansive George Allen editions produced in the UK later in the century.

The book features a fine etched frontispiece titled 'The Old Water Wheel', signed in the plate by L. Lahan, adding a striking visual element to the collection.

While the 1850 privately printed first edition of Ruskin's poems is exceptionally rare and commands thousands of pounds, this 1882 John Wiley & Sons edition serves as an accessible, historically significant alternative for collectors of 19th-century literature and aesthetics.

Before he cemented his legacy as the Victorian era’s preeminent art critic and social thinker, John Ruskin harboured deep poetic ambitions. This handsome 1882 collection, edited by James Osborne Wright, gathers Ruskin's lyrical explorations of nature, architecture, and romantic idealism. Accompanied by a delicate frontispiece etching, the volume provides a fascinating window into the early, imaginative mind of the man who would go on to shape 19th-century cultural philosophy, making it a compelling addition to any library of Victorian literature.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: John Ruskin, James Osborne Wright (Editor)

Book Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 233

Book Publication Year: 1882

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: L. Lahan

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: New York, United States

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.