Dramatis Personae.

BROWNING, Robert.

$7,500.00

Item Number: 147759

London: Chapman and Hall, 1864.

First edition of Browning’s popular poetry collection. Octavo, contemporary tree calf bound in full morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within gilt raised bands, gilt ruling to boards, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the second free endpaper, “Robert Browning wishes all happiness to the friends who possess this book. Nov. 30 ’75.” In very good condition with light rubbing. From the library of noted collector William A. Strutz with his small bookplate to the pastedown, with an additional ownership plate from George Lillie Craik. Housed in a custom folding chemise and half morocco slipcase.

Browning wrote Dramatis Personae in London, where he had returned with his son after the death of his wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It was his first publication after a nine-year hiatus. During this time, Browning's reputation was fluctuating, and Dramatis Personae along with The Ring and the Book, which is widely considered his greatest work, were enough to begin a critical re-evaluation of the writer. This new style was appreciated, as Dramatis Personae sold enough copies for a second edition to be published, which was a first in Browning's career.