The Friend: A Literary, Moral, and Political Weekly Paper [28 issues, all published] by Coleridge, Samuel Taylor - 1810

Penrith: Printed and Published by J. Brown [imprints vary], 1810. First edition. Numbers 1-27 and the supernumerary number, all issued. With newspaper revenue stamp on each number. 448 pp. 8vo. Uncut, bound up from the original parts in later 19th-century full blue morocco, t.e.g. Spine faded, pages lightly soiled and creased. First edition. Numbers 1-27 and the supernumerary number, all issued. With newspaper revenue stamp on each number. 448 pp. 8vo. When Coleridge launched this periodical he had 632 subscribers, but his measured, logical approach to metaphysical theory was too difficult for most of his readers, and the audience dropped off sharply. Included are some significant contributions by Wordsworth, including three essays, some sonnets, and an early fragment of "The Prelude." With the bookplate of the Victorian novelist William Hale White. Tinker 689 (noting Wordsworth references); Wise, Coleridge 20. Provenance: William Hale White (bookplate)