"A COUPLET STYLE MORE REFINED AND MUSICAL THAN ANY BEFORE IN ENGLISH VERSIFICATION"

POPE, Alexander. The Poetical Works. Glasgow: Andrew Foulis, 1785. Three volumes. Folio (10 by 15 inches), contemporary full red morocco rebacked, raised bands, burgundy and black morocco spine labels, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $2600.

Handsomely bound and beautifully printed 1785 Foulis Press folio edition of Pope’s Poetical Works.

"Like Dryden, much of Pope's poetry, and all of his major poems, are inextricably linked to his mastery of the heroic couplet… In Pope's hands [the couplet] could move seamlessly from pastoral to satire to epic or moral epistle and be consistently effective" (Ian Lancashire). Scholars go so far as to praise Pope's early Pastorals for introducing "a couplet style more refined and musical than any before in English versification" (DLB). Includes a Life of Pope and such classic works as "The Rape of the Lock," the "Pastorals," and "Ode on St. Cecilia's Day." With a list of subscribers at the rear of Volume III. Bookplates. Bookdealer stamps.

Interior fine, mild toning and wear to contemporary morocco. An attractive folio set.