James Thomson — The Seasons

London, W. Suttaby; B. Crosby and Co. 1808 . Leather. A very scarce edition of James Thomson's celebrated poem cycle surrounding the four seasons, bound in full calf. Bound in a full-calf binding with blind stamp pattern. With two engraved frontispiece and title page illustrations, from the painting by H. singleton, engraved by L. Taylor.The Seasons is Scottish author, James Thomson"s, most famous work, a long meditative nature poem.Each poem was published one season at a time, starting with 'Winter', which initially appeared in 1726, with 'Summer', 'Spring' and 'Autumn' following in 1727, 1728 and 1730. This lengthy poem reflects on the countryside and nature, being very well received at the time and translated into a number of different languages. The poem reflects early Romantic sensibilities, a deep observation of nature, moral reflection, rural life, and the sublime. With a Life of Thomson to the front of the work. Rebound in a full-calf binding. Externally, very smart. Slight cracking to joints, causing the front board to be a slightly, loose but holding firm. Rubbing to extremities and spine, resulting in slight loss to the calf. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean, if slightly age toned to perimeters. The odd spot, heavier to fore edge and first and last few leaves. Good . Ill.: H. singleton; L. Taylor. Good .