GOLDSMITH, Oliver | Beauties of English Poesy, The Oliver Goldsmithís ìBest Collectionî of English Poetry[GOLDSMITH, Oliver, editor]. The Beauties of English Poesy. Selected by Oliver Goldsmith. In Two Volumes. London: Printed for William Griffin, 1767.First edition. Two twelvemo volumes (6 9/16 x 4 inches; 167 x 102 mm.). [4], iv, 169 [i.e. 269], [1, blank], [2, contents]; [4], 262, [2, contents] pp. Bound without the first and final blank leaf in each volume.Contemporary calf, neatly rebacked, with original spines and olive green morocco lettering labels laid down. Some browning and occasional staining. Volume II with short tear to lower corner of E2 (pp. 75-76), not affecting text, and small paper flaw to outer blank margin of F1 (pp. 97/98), not affecting text. A very good copy.Includes Alexander Popeís ìThe Rape of the Lock,î Thomas Grayís ìAn Elegy, Written in a Country Church Yard,î Samuel Johnsonís ìLondon,î John Drydenís ìAlexanderís Feast,î and John Gayís ìThe Shepherdís Week.î ìMy Bookseller having informed me that there was no collection of English Poetry among us, of any estimation, I thought a few Hours spent in making a proper selection would not be ill bestowed. Compilations of this kind are chiefly designed for such as either want leisure, skill, or fortune, to choose for themselves; for persons whose professions turn them to different pursuits, or who, not yet arrived at sufficient maturity, require a guide to direct their application. To our youth, particularly, a publication of this sort may be useful; since, if compiled with any share of judgement, it may at once unite precept and example, shew them what is beautiful, and inform them why it is so: I therefore offer this, to the best of my judgement, as the best collection that has yet appearedÖAs to the short introductory criticisms to each poem, they are rather designed for boys than menÖIn short, if this work be useful in schools, or amusing in the closet, the merit all belongs to others. I have nothing to boast, and at best, expect, not applause, but pardonî (Preface, pp. i-iv in Volume I).Scott, pp. 199-200. 1767 first edition Price: USD 850.00 other currencies   order no. 00050    inquire

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