Jane West — Poems and Plays

London, T.N. Longman and O. Rees, 1799. Leather. A scarce copy of poems and plays by the conservative author, Jane West. Bound in calf with gilt lettering and spine decoration. Complete in Two Volumes. "West's reputation in her own day was for the clear didacticism of her texts. It was reported that Queen Charlotte purchased her novels, and Bishop Percy, who had praised West's writing and character in the British Critic (1801), complained of his delay in obtaining a copy of A Tale of the Times from the circulating libraries at Brighton owing to its popularity. Her works were recommended for "their pure morality, and forcible arguments", and her character described as "a model of imitation" in her roles as "a wife, a mother, and a daughter" (GM, 1st ser. 69.1128)" (DNB). Jane West, 1758 - 1852, was an English writer and poet. "All of West's works are didactic and conservative in their ethical judgments regarding political change and women's role in society" (DNB). West was an advocate for women's education. The bindings are tight and firm. The hinges are starting but still firm. There is only some mild wear to the extremities, with just some mild rubbing, prominent to the spine. Internally the pages have only very slight browning to the edges, with occasional spots. Overall the condition is GOOD, with a VERY GOOD interior. Good . Ill.: None. Good .