Poems

London: John W. Parker and Son, 1851. First edition of the author's first book. [ii-vi (lacking half-title)], 159, [1] pp., with four-line errata slip tipped-in at end. 8vo. Publisher's green embossed cloth, spine titled and ruled in gilt. Spine dulled, small closed tear to cloth at rear joint, light dampstain to rear endpapers. First edition of the author's first book. [ii-vi (lacking half-title)], 159, [1] pp., with four-line errata slip tipped-in at end. 8vo. Meredith's First Book, Inscribed to Frederick Locker-Lampson. Presentation copy of George Meredith's uncommon first book, inscribed on the title-page to the bibliophile Frederick Locker-Lampson (at the time Frederick Locke; he added the Lampson surname in 1885 upon the death of his father-in-law). With Locker-Lampson's pencil marks scattered throughout and a lengthy note on the front free endpaper, reading:

"At page 101 you will find a poem called Love in the Valley, & at the end of the vol: you will find the same poem revised & amplified. It came out in a mag: twenty-five years after the first volume was given to the Public. Tennyson & I both very much admired this poem, as you will see in my 'Patchwork,' & we were both sorry, very sorry, he tampered with it." The magazine reprinting of "Love in the Valley" is included at the rear of the volume.

This copy is listed in An Appendix to the Rowfant Library at page 76, where it is catalogued as having an inserted portrait. The portrait has since been removed, likely taking the half-title with it.

In a letter to Edward Clodd, Meredith said of this volume: "I wrote verse before I was nineteen; some of it, which I wish could be suppressed, and has not been reprinted, was published in the 1851 volume which I brought out at my own risk, losing £50 or £60 on the venture." Meredith apparently did try to suppress the volume, later destroying some 300 copies. Collie XXXVI; Forman, Meredith 1; Hayward 270 An Appendix to the Rowfant Library, p. 76. Provenance: Frederick Locker-Lampson (inscription on title-page from the author and his bookplate and notes); Hodgson & Co (sale 1926, sold £14 to Quaritch)