“OUR VOICE IN THEIRS THROUGH TIME SHALL SWELL—THE BARD HATH GIFTS OF PROPHECY FROM DEATH”

HEMANS, Felicia. The League of the Alps, the Siege of Valencia, the Vespers of Palermo, and Other Poems. WITH: The Forest Sanctuary; and Other Poems. Boston: Hilliard, Gray, Little, and Wilkins, 1826-27. Two volumes. Octavo, 19th-century full straight-grain green morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spines and covers, raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $600.

Early edition of this collection of poetry and drama by renowned 19th-century poet Felicia Hemans.

One of the most popular poets of her day, Hemans garnered the attention of many of her contemporaries, including Lord Byron, Lord Jeffrey, Christopher North, the Countess of Blessington, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, who wrote to the then-teenaged adolescent Hemans so persistently that her mother had to discourage his attentions. “Her poems are stamped with feminine qualities; they have singular grace and tenderness, and exhibit an ardent sympathy with chivalry in every form” (DNB). These works were first published individually between 1823 and 1825.

A lovely set in fine condition.