[Anti-Slavery Literature]. James Montgomery, James Grahame, and E. Benger. Poems on the Abolition of the Slave Trade...

Description

James Montgomery, James Grahame, and E. Benger. Poems on the Abolition of the Slave trade . Embellished with Engravings from Pictures Painted by R. Smirke, Esq. R.A. London: Printed for R. Bowyer, 1809. First edition. Tall quarto (11.5 x 9.25 inches; 292 x 235 mm). [8, title and prelims], [6], [1, sectional title], [1, blank], ii, 138, [3, notes], [1, blank]. With engraved title-page and twelve engraved plates, all but one of which with its original tissue guard, as well as instructions to the binder inserted loosely at the end of the textblock. Very nice period-style quarter dark brown calf over brown cloth, spine tooled in gilt in compartments, gilt dark red morocco lettering piece. Contemporary gift inscription on third front flyleaf. Some light toning throughout, and light foxing and soiling to text pages (mostly marginal) and plates. Overall a very good copy.

A wonderful copy of this important work, occasioned by Great Britain's 1806 abolition of the slave trade. In addition to the poems, including Montgomery's "The West Indies," Grahame's "Africa Delivered," and Benger's "A Poem, Occasioned by the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1806," the work comprises nine engravings after paintings by Robert Smirke. In addition to these plates, several of which are now well-known images, the work includes an engraved allegorical title-pages and three portraits of Britain's most famous abolitionists Granville Sharp, Thomas Clarkson, and William Wilberforce. Sabin 50145.