Samuel Rogers — Italy, a Poem.

London, T. Cadell, 1830 . Leather. A smartly bound example of the first illustrated edition of Samuel Rogers' epic poem illuminating his time spent in Italy. The first illustrated edition, first issue, with the incorrect engravings to pages 88 and 91. Illustrated with two full page illustrations, and fifty-one vignettes. Collated, complete.This poem was Rogers' longest work, as well as being his last. It was written inspired by his 1814 journey travelling through Switzerland to Italy, on which he kept a diary of the events and his impressions of the trip. Written by Samuel Rogers, a Romantic English poet who is often overshadowed by his contemporaries - Byron, Wordsworth, and Coleridge. Illustrated after J. M. W. Turner and Thomas Stothard. Turner was a noted popular Romantic painter, known for his watercolour landscapes, and imaginative uses of colour. He was a child prodigy, exhibiting his first work at the Royal Academy of Arts when he was 15. He was intensely private, and avoided the attractions of fame. He was also controversial, never marrying, but having two daughters by his housekeeper.Bound in half calf with marbled paper-covered boards.One page of publisher's advertisements to the rear, which has some loss. Bound in half calf with marbled paper-covered boards. Externally, very smart, with spot marking, heavier to the front board. Endpapers renewed, blanks discarded. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, with a little discolouration to title page. Loss to final leaf of publishers ads. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: J. M. W. Turner; Thomas Stothard. Very Good Indeed .