Poems of the Late Francis S. Key, Esq., Author of "The Star Spangled Banner by Key, Francis Scott (1779-1843) - 1857

New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1857. First edition. Original cloth over boards. Duodecimo. [xii], 203 pages, plus 12 page publisher catalogue. Shallow chipping to head and heel of spine with mild darkening to spine. Scattered foxing inside. Rear free endpaper has top fore corner torn away to a depth of about 3/4". Hinges sound, gilt generally bright. A lovely, near fine copy.. The first published collection of poetry by Francis Scott Key. "The Star Spangled Banner" is the first poem in the book, appearing on pp. 31-33 after an introductory letter by Key's friend, Roger Brooke Taney. <br /> <br /> This strikingly handsome copy of this important collection is bound in bluish-purple cloth with gilt-stamping to both boards and spine, all edges gilt. BAL binding "A."<br /> <br /> Ref.: FILBY B-39; BAL 11093; SABIN 37667.