Lord Byron — Don Juan

London, Thomas Davison, 1819. Leather. The first octavo edition of Cantos I and II of Byron's provocative poem, 'Don Juan', in the original boards. "A New Edition", being the first octavo edition of Cantos I and II of Lord Byron's Don Juan. These were offered as cheaper versions costing 9s 6d.  In the original grey boards with the original price to the paper spine label. Bound with eight-page catalogue of publisher's advertisements to the front of the work.  Retaining the original half title.  An important feat of Romantic poetry, Byron portrays Don Juan as a man easily seduced by women, rather than a womaniser. The character, but not the plot, is taken from the legendary Spanish libertine figure and was criticised by Byron's contemporaries for its immoral and satirical contents.  In July 1818 Murray wrote to Byron asking for new work. Byron replied, "I have completed an ode on Venice; and have two stories,– one serious & one ludicrous". The 'ludicrous' one was 'Don Juan&apos. With a loosely inserted handwritten letter addressed the previous owner of this copy, Robert Peel Sheldon - "I send you cantos I-II of Don Juan which I believe to be the first 8vo edition". In the original grey boards with paper spine label. Externally, with loss and lifting to the backstrip and a few small ink spots and marks to the boards. Rubbing to the extremities, with joints starting, but firm. Bookplate of one Robert Peel Sheldon to the front paste down, dated 1893. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with light scattered spots throughout. Contemporary ink inscription to the rear free endpaper of a poem. Good Only . Ill.: None. Good Only .