Thomas Evans — Old Ballads Historical and Narrative

London, R. H. Evans, 1810. Leather. Third edition of this complete collection of the historical and narrative poetry of the bookseller Thomas Evans, from the library of former poet laureate John Masefield. The third edition of this work in full calf bindings with marbled edges and endpapers; Volumes II and IV have been rebound, with the original calf laid down to the spine and boards. Bookplate to the front paste downs of volumes I, III and IV. A previous owner's label to the front paste down of volume I, stating that this set was "from the library of John Masefield O. M. Poet Laureate". John Masefield was poet laureate from 1930 to 1967. Alongside his incredibly successful career as a poet, Masefield was wrote a series of highly received children's works. Volume I illustrated with a frontispiece, and a vignette title page. Volumes II, III, and IV are illustrated with a vignette title page. A collection of historical and narrative poems by the London bookseller Thomas Evans. This is the third edition of the work. This new edition was revised and considerably enlarged by Evans' son, R. H. Evans, also a noted bookseller and auctioneer. Containing the poems, 'Country Lass', 'The Constancy of Susanna', 'Stout Cripple of Cornwall', 'Musidorus and Amadine', and more. In full calf bindings; Volumes II and IV rebound, with original calf laid down to the spine and boards. Externally smart, with rubbing to the spines and extremities. Small losses to the head and tail of the spine to Vol III. Leather lifting to the head and tail of the spine to Vol I. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, except for some offsetting to the page perimeters of the first few pages. Very Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good .