Mrs. Opie [Emilia Alderson Opie] — The Warrior&Apos;S Return and Other Poems

London, Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, 1808. Leather. The second edition of a scarce Romantic poetry collection from prolific author, Blue Stocking member and social advocate Amelia Opie. The second edition of the scarce The Warrior's Return, and Other Poems, written by Romantic poet, author, and activist Amelia Alderson Opie. In full contemporary calf, with orange marble end papers and the original blanks preserved. Without half-title as issued. Contains a frontispiece by R.A. Thomson, engraved by Reynolds. A copy belonging to collectors Anne and F.G. Reiner.  A prolific author in the early Romantic period, Opie used many of her novels and poems as a form of acitvism, advocating for women's education and abolition among many of her other progressive beliefs. A notable member of the Blue Stocking Society, she was a friend of Mary Wollstonecraft. This lovely collection of poems, including the titular medieval romance, were written several years prior to publishing for her self-amusement.  In full contemporary calf, with orange marble end papers and the original blanks preserved. Without half-title as issued. Externally, front joint failed, with loose board. Loss to calf spine, including to the head of the spine, and knocks to extremities. Rubbing marks to spines, joints, and edges. Fading to marble end papers. Previous owner's bookplates to front pastedown. Previous owner's contemporary ink inscription to verso of front free end paper. Internally, mostly firmly bound. Pages are mostly bright and clean with minor age toning, and slight offsetting from frontispiece to title leaf. Fair . Ill.: R.A. Thomson. Fair .