Arthur Symons — Studies in Two Literatures

London, Leonard Smithers, 1897. First edition. Cloth. A smart and uncommon first edition, in which poet, critic, editor and translator Arthur Symons attempts to encapsulate some of the most prominent writers throughout history. An uncommon first edition. Bound in publisher's original black cloth, with unevenly cut pages. A reflection on many of the most impactful literary figures, with a a focus on the long and rich literary history of Britain. The text explores this through the following sections: Studies in Elizabethan Drama; Studies in Contemporary Literature, which includes discussion of figures such as Christina Rossetti, William Morris, Walter Pater and more; Notes and Impressions: English Writers; French writers. Penned by British poet, critic, translator and magazine editor Arthur Symons. With the bookplate of notable book collector John Waern Hill to front paste down. Bound in original black cloth. Externally, smart. Moderate bumping and mild rubbing to extremities. Moderate marks to boards. Bookplate to front paste down. Moderate spotting and handling marks to endpapers. Mild strain to front hinge, but holding. Internally, firmly bound. Moderate strain between rear blanks. Very mild cockling throughout. The odd minor closed tear and small loss where partially unopened leaves have been forced. Moderate closed tear to p.25. Moderate losses and closed tears to pp.25-32. Pages generally bright and clean, with occasional moderate age toning and handling marks. Mild to moderate spotting, heavier towards text block extremities. Moderate age toning and dusting to text block edges. Bottom text block edge very unevenly cut. Occasional mild creasing to page extremities. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .