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William Wordsworth. The Prelude, or Growth of a Poet's Mind; an autobiographical poem. London: Edward Moxon, 1850....
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Description
William Wordsworth. The Prelude, or Growth of a Poet's Mind; an autobiographical poem. London: Edward Moxon, 1850.8vo. Contemporary dark green morocco gilt (possibly a presentation binding), edges gilt.
FIRST EDITION. PRESENTATION COPY FROM MARY WORDSWORTH TO THE DAUGHTER OF HIS OLD SCHOOLFRIEND, WILLIAM CALVERT, on the half-title: "Mary Stanger / a Memorial, from / her affectionate friend / Mary Wordsworth / Rydal Mt July 29th 1850."
Mary Stanger, née Calvert, was the daughter of Wordsworth's old school friend William Calvert, who had been at school with Wordsworth at Hawkshead, Lancashire, where he later became master. The pair travelled together and Wordsworth's correspondence records frequent stays with Calvert. Wordsworth is known to have composed "Salisbury Plain" and corrected "An Evening Walk" while staying with Calvert in Keswick during an earlier visit. There is a close connection between the Calvert family and Wordsworth, with William Calvert's brother Raisley leaving Wordsworth a very substantial sum in his will. Following Raisley's premature death the Wordsworth's remained in touch with William Calvert and later with his family, particularly his daughter Mary.
Following Wordsworth's death on 23 April 1850, the unfinished manuscript of this work was sent by Mary to Edward Moxon for posthumous publication. According to the bookseller's note from Quaritch Ltd., this volume, along with Wordsworth's Poems, in two volumes (1807; sold in the William A. Strutz Library sale, Part I, Heritage Auctions, 27 June 2024, lot 214), "remained in the Calvert family until a few years ago, and are offered for sale for the first time." A VERY FINE ASSOCIATION COPY.
Condition: Skillfully rebacked preserving original spine; minor rubbing and wear to extremities. Some spotting to endleaves and preliminaries.
References: Healey/Cornell 152; Reed A92.
Provenance: Mary Stanger, née Calvert (presentation inscription); Raisley Moorsom (inscription on front flyleaf); purchased from Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London, 2 July 2004. From the William A. Strutz Library.
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Auction Info
2024 December 11 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part II, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6300 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2024
11th
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
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