(Topham, Edward, ed.)

The British Album. . .

London: John Bell, 1790. Third Edition. Two vols., 12mos, frontispiece, [x], 172 [1]; frontispiece, [vi], 172, [1]; contemporary panelled tree calf with gilt dentelles, marbled endpapers. 1794 ownership inscriptions in each volume; covers rubbed and worn at joints. Item #205893

Four editions of this collection appeared in 1790, gathering the work of the "Dellacruscan" poets, largely pseudonymous followers of Robert Merry (Della Crusca) and his Italian-inspired sentimental poetry. The Dellacruscans' moment did not last long. They enjoyed a brief popularity before being satirized and critically dismissed.

Price: $250.00