Poems.

BROWNING, Elizabeth Barrett.

Item Number: 136301

London: Edward Moxon, 1844.

First edition, mixed state per usual of Browning’s seminal work; with an autograph letter signed by her and entirely in her hand. Octavo, two volumes, original green. Second impression of Vol. I with “let your flood of bitter scorn” to page 141. First impression of Vol. II with the page numbers unbattered on pages 161 and 163, and without “the end” to page 175. With an autograph letter tipped in signed by Barrett to her publisher regarding this work’s publication which reads in full, “Dear Sir, The “Drama of Exile” having much that is great in it, in the form of choruses and otherwise, I objected yesterday to the type being changed to the very small type employed, and am of opinion that the same should be used throughout the poem. In respect to the one volume of two, I understand from E. S. Kenyon that you recommended two. I calculate that there would be about two hundred pages in each volume. And if we did no mistake your views about it I am ready to decide for the two volumes. In every respect except the change of type I was much pleased with the proof. I remain very faithfully yours Elizabeth B. Barrett 50 Wimple Street Thursday morning.” In very good condition. Housed in a custom full morocco box. Bookplates. Rare.

Between 1841 and 1844, English poet of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning was prolific in poetry, translation, and prose, making her a rival of Tennyson as a candidate for poet laureate in 1850 on the death of Wordsworth. Her volume Poems (1844) which included "A Drama of Exile", "A Vision of Poets", and "Lady Geraldine's Courtship" brought her great success, attracting the admiration of the writer Robert Browning. Their correspondence, courtship, and marriage were carried out in secret, for fear of her father's disapproval. Following the wedding, she was indeed disinherited by her father. In 1846, the couple moved to Italy, where she would live for the rest of her life.