James Thomson — The Seasons

Perth, R. Morison Junior, For Morison and Son, 1790. Leather. The rare first Morison edition of James Thomson's beloved poem of the seasons, illustrated with copper plates. The very scarce first Morison edition of The Seasons, James Thomson's influential poetical series. Two volumes bound into one.  In full contemporary tree calf, with marbled endpapers and decorative gilt to the spine. Illustrated with copper plates, including a frontispiece to each volume and an additional engraved title page. Collated, complete.  Originally issued one season at a time from 1726-1730, The Seasons reflects on the landscape of the countryside, and was highly influential and popular for at least a century after its writing. Especially lavish editions were produced between 1830 and 1870 in Britain and America. From Scottish poet and playwright James Thomson, who is also known for The Castle of Indolence and for the lyrics of "Rule, Britannia!".  Bound in full tree calf with decorative gilt to the spine. Externally, with rubbing to the extremities resulting in minor loss to the head and tail of spine. Pages are generally bright and clean, with minor offsetting to the endpapers. Very Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good .