Samuel Rogers — Italy, a Poem

London, T. Cadell, 1830 . First edition. Leather. The first illustrated edition, second issue, of Samuel Rogers' best known Romantic poem, about his travels in Italy. In a handsome full morocco binding, with watered silk endpapers. The first part of this work was published anonymously in 1822; the second, with Rogers' name attached, in 1828.Neither were commercially successful, prompting Rogers to commission illustrations from artists J M W Turner, Thomas Stothard and Samuel Prout. These new, detailed, steel engravings proved popular, and this new edition was a triumph.The second issue, with vignettes correctly placed to pages 88 and 91. Illustrated with two full page engravings, and fifty-one vignettes. Collated, complete.Illustrated after famed painters J. M. W. Turner and Thomas Stothard.Despite being one of the most celebrated English poets of his day, Samuel Roger's fame has since been greatly overshadowed by his friends Coleridge, Wordsworth and Byron. In a full morocco binding with extensive gilt detailing, and watered silk endpapers. Slight fading to back strip, otherwise externally excellent. Front hinge lightly strained, with front free endpaper and title page tenderly held to head only. Otherwise, firmly bound. Pages bright, with spotting and foxing to page perimeters. Very Good . Ill.: J. M. W. Turner; Thomas Stothard. Very Good .