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    By Robert Southey
    London   John Murray
    6.5" by 4" vii, 258; viii, 288 pp.
    A pleasingly bound two-volume second edition set of Robert Southey's astounding biography on the British naval icon that helped cement his legendary status today.
    By Robert Southey

    1814 The Life of Nelson

    London   John Murray
    6.5" by 4" vii, 258; viii, 288 pp.
    A pleasingly bound two-volume second edition set of Robert Southey's astounding biography on the British naval icon that helped cement his legendary status today.
    £450.00
    : 0.75kgs / : 983N1
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    Description

    Early Edition, Leather Binding

    The early second edition of Robert Southey's Life of Nelson, published by John Murray in 1814, shortly before the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Volumes 1 and 2. A complete set.

    In the publisher's original full calf, with binding stamp detail by Carss and Co. An illustrated frontispiece of the naval commander in volume 1. Nelson's different signatures act as the frontispiece in volume 2. Leaf of p.3 is mislabeled as p.2 in volume 1. Collated complete. 

    Contains an original advertisement of books published by John Murray at the end of volume 1. An original advertisement of Southey's poetry, as well as the 'Ulm and Trafalgar', George Canning's stirring poem celebrating the naval icon shortly after his death.

    Despite being poet laureate in 1813, it is Southey's impressive biography of Lord Nelson which he is best known for. Volume 1 (chapters 1-6) starts with Nelson's quiet beginnings in Norfolk, before finishing with his remarkable victory at the Battle of the Nile. Volume 2 (chapters 6-9) begins with his naval support of the Kingdom of Naples, before finishing with his famous victory and death at Trafalgar.

    Capturing Nelson's adventurous spirit, the biography was essential in creating his semi-mythical status.

    Condition

    In full calf. Externally, very smart. Minor rubbing to extremities, resulting in slight loss of calf. Minimal signs of shelf wear. Marble end papers in lovely condition, with binding stamp detail. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean, with the odd spot to the extremities. Spotting heavier to first and middles leaves of volume 1, particularly to leaf containing p.2. Spotting heavier to title leaf and frontispiece of volume 2. Minimal handling marks.

    Very Good Indeed

    Delivery & payment

    We send all of our books via courier which is a fully tracked and insured service. In our experience we find this to be the most reliable and quickest form of delivery. Our primary courier is DHL, but we are able to accommodate special requests if required, including postal delivery for items under 2kg. See More Details