Herbert, William. Helga. [Fore-edge Painting]. A Poem. In seven Cantos. By the Honorable William Herbert. London, Printed for John Murray, 1815. Octavo. vi, (2) [TOC], 299 pages plus publishers list. Fine crimson morocco with elaborate gilt decorations. Raised bands. All edges gilt. Fore-edge painting (see images). Inside cloth-covered clamshell box. Near fine condition. Minor shelf wear. Ex Libris of previous owner on front paste-down. Some spotting to gray end papers. Neat gift inscription on first blank page. Internally clean. With a very pretty rural scene fore-edge painting.

The Hon. William Herbert (12 January 1778 – 28 May 1847) was a British botanist, botanical illustrator, poet, and clergyman. He served as a member of parliament for Hampshire from 1806 to 1807, and for Cricklade from 1811 to 1812. His botanical writings are noted for his treatment of Amaryllidaceae.
In 1801 he brought out Ossiani Darthula, a small volume of Greek and Latin poetry. In 1804 appeared part i. of his Select Icelandic Poetry, translated from the originals with notes. Part ii. followed in 1806. These were early works on old Scandinavian literature in English. Lord Byron mentioned Herbert in his English Bards and Scotch Reviewers (1809). Other translations were from German, Danish, and Portuguese poems, with some miscellaneous English poems (1804).
He contributed articles of a non-political character to the Edinburgh Review. Helga, a poem in seven cantos, came out in 1815, with a second edition in the following year; then Hedin, or the Spectre of the Tomb, a tale in verse from Danish history. London, 1820; Pia della Pietra, 1820; Iris, a Latin ode, York, 1820; and the Wizard Wanderer of Jutland in 1820-1. The epic poem entitled Attila, or the Triumph of Christianity, in twelve books, with a historical preface, was published in 1838; and a final volume of poems, The Christian, in 1846.

• Keywords: Art · Art & Design · Book · Classical & Old Literature · Fine Bindings & Editions · Fine Bindings & Editions · Great Britain · Literature · Poetry
• Language: English
• Inventory Number: 104619AB

Our price: EUR 650,--