Poetic Sketches, Thomas Gent — 2nd Edition
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Publication: London, Neptune Press (Printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme), 1808
Formatting: 12mo, pp. [viii], 140.
Condition Report: Good. The period half-leather binding, while fundamentally sound and tight, exhibits noticeable rubbing and shelf-wear to the waved-paper boards, alongside bumping and mild exposure to the corners. The leather spine shows surface cracking, moderate loss to the head and tail, and fading to the gilt bands, which is characteristic of honest handling over two centuries. Internally, the text block remains remarkably tight and square. The pages are predominantly bright, displaying only mild age-toning, faint, intermittent foxing, and minor offsetting typical of early 19th-century paper stock. The endpapers possess a charming historical patina, and the hinges remain perfectly secure without any splitting.
Catalogue Note: This Second Edition of Thomas Gent's Poetic Sketches is an appealing piece of early 19th-century literature, originally printed locally by Keymer and Sloman of Yarmouth for the broader metropolitan market.
This particular volume is exceptionally noteworthy for its provenance; it bears a contemporary ink presentation inscription on the title page reading: "From the Author to Lieut. Bamber R.N." The front free endpaper features a subsequent familial ownership signature of "R. J. Bamber", dated 1841, suggesting the volume was kept affectionately within the Bamber family for decades.
Thomas Gent (1780–1852) was a recognised Yarmouth poet whose work occasionally referenced maritime themes and national heroes, making this presentation to a Royal Navy Lieutenant particularly fitting. While standard, unsigned copies of Gent's work appear infrequently on the open market, inscribed presentation copies from the author are undeniably scarce and offer a tangible link to Georgian naval history. The unadorned, half-leather secondary binding with early waved-paper boards reflects standard provincial finishing of the period.
An evocative collection of miscellaneous poetry from the early 19th century, Thomas Gent's Poetic Sketches traverses themes of melancholy reflection, naval tribute, and pastoral beauty. Written by a celebrated Yarmouth poet, this collection captures the shifting romantic sensibilities of the Georgian era, offering an authentic, lyrical glimpse into the provincial and maritime world of England.
Book Condition: Good
Book Authors: Thomas Gent
Book Publisher: Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Antiquarian
Genre: Poetry
Book edition: Second Edition
Signed: Yes
Book Pages: 140
Book Publication Year: 1808
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover (Half-Leather)
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| 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. |
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