The League of the Alps, the Siege of Valencia, the Vespers of Palermo, and Other Poems

Boston: Hilliard, Gray, Little, and Wilkins, 1826. First American edition. 8vo. iii, [5], ii, 480 pp. Uncut in publisher's boards, printed spine label; some loss to spine ends, front hinge reinforced, sporadic foxing, in custom gray cloth slipcase and chemise First American edition of these works by the British Romantic poet Felicia Hemans (1793-1835), whose poetry was immensely popular in the United States and brought a stream of American visitors to her Liverpool home. Publication was overseen by the Boston Unitarian Andrews Norton, who "hailed Hemans's work as forwarding a liberal, disestablished protestantism" (ODNB). Andrews continued to publish Hemans's works in uniform style over the next several years, a plan he outlines in the Advertisement. (In anticipation of his plan, the half-title indicates "Vol. I.") Norton also notes that many of the miscellaneous shorter poems are here published for the first time, the manuscripts having been delivered directly from Hemans. An attractive copy, uncut in publisher's boards.PROVENANCE: Catherine Brown (early ownership signature to ffep); Mrs. J. Insley Blair (Blairhame book-label)REFERENCES: Jackson, p. 154, no. 15