William Blake: A Critical Essay

London: John CamdeHotten, 1868. First edition. Cloth. Good. 9" by 6". William Blake. A scarce first edition of Algernon Swinburne's acclaimed biography of William Blake A scarce first edition of Algernon Charles Swinburne's biography of William Blake. With two black and white facsimiles and five in colour, collated and complete. Despite causing anger among Victorian audiences for his verses on sadomasochism, lesbianism, and other taboo subjects, Swinburne was nominated for the Nobel prize in literature every year from 1903 to 1909 for his poetry, plays, novels, and criticism. The work is dedicated to Swinburne's Oxford friend Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who encouraged him to write the biography. Prior owner's ink inscription to verso of endpaper dated 10th June '46. Prior owner's name, 'John Drysdale' stamped to title and dedication pages. In publisher's original blue cloth binding. A little rubbed, primarily to the front board. Some small tears to the cloth at the head and tail of the spine, and some minor wear to the extremities. Internally, both front and rear hinges are partially failed but the boards remain attached by cords at the top. Preliminaries and rear endpaper loose but remain attached. Otherwise, generally firmly bound, with some tenderness at pages 48 to 49, 192 to 193, 208 to 209, and 288 to 289. Good