William Hayley — Poems and Plays

London, T Cadell, 1788. Fine Binding. A scarce, and very smart set of William Haley's poems and plays. Complete with their half-titles. A lovely copy in uniform straight grained morocco bindings. Comprising of numerous works by the poet such as his Essay on Painting, Ode to the Prison Reformer John Howard, his Occasional Verses, Marcella a Tragedy and of course his most noted poem 'The Triumphs of Temper&apos. 'The Triumphs of Temper' chronicles the trials and tribulations that his fictitious heroine Serena faces. It explores how she overcame them through her virtues of a pleasant nature and sweet temper. It is said to have reformed the entire feminine mind of England. In it, Hayley aspired to teach young women the virtues of a pleasant nature. (ODNB). William Hayley was from Chichester in Sussex. He was born affluent and was determined to have a thriving literary career. He met his first success early on with his 'Ode on the Birth of the Prince of Wales' which was published in 'Cambridge Verses' before being reprinted in the 'Gentleman's Magazine&apos. Many of the plays to these volumes were never performed and are therefore rather scarce. In uniform straight grained morocco bindings. Externally, excellent with minor shelfwear. Internally, all volumes are firmly bound. Pages are very bright with just the odd spots to pages. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine .