[GRAY, Thomas (1716-1771).] An Elegy Wrote in a Country Church Yard. London: for R. Dodsley, and sold by M. Cooper, 1751.

[GRAY, Thomas (1716-1771).] An Elegy Wrote in a Country Church Yard. London: for R. Dodsley, and sold by M. Cooper, 1751.

The Currie-Webster copy of one of the best loved poems in English. Begun in 1742, Elegy had circulated freely in manuscript after being finished in 1750. However, the threat of piracy led to it being rushed into print in no more than six days. Gray’s striking poem inspired many imitators and homages from not only his fellow poets, but visual artists including William Blake, Owen Jones, and John Constable. A tall copy copy. Ashley II, p. 159; Grolier, English, 49; Hayward 173; Northup 492; Rothschild 1056; Stokes p. 27; Tinker 1165.

Quarto (255 x 190mm). Title between woodcut rules with emblems of death, the upper rule repeated at head of poem (discreet marginal repairs to title; some letters punched through, as usual). Modern green morocco by Riviere, edges gilt. Provenance: Barton Currie (his sale, Parke-Bernet, 7 May 1963, lot 178) – Paul Francis Webster (morocco bookplates and note laid in; his sale, Sotheby's New York, 24 April 1985, lot 44).

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION