2V set Warton ESSAY GENIUS WRITINGS POPE 1806

Title: An Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope
Author: Joseph Warton
Publisher: Thomas Maiden
Printing Year: 1806, complete two-volume set

Condition/Details: Bound in their original or period calfskin boards with raised bands and gilt embossing, this early set is a scarce printing of this important literary criticism. Joseph Warton (April, 1722 – February 23, 1800) was an English academic and literary critic. He was born in Dunsfold, Surrey, England, but his family soon moved to Hampshire, where his father, the Reverend Thomas Warton, became vicar of Basingstoke. There, a few years later, Joseph's younger brother, the more famous Thomas Warton, was born. Their father later became an Oxford professor. Joseph was educated at Winchester College and at Oriel College, Oxford, and followed his father into the church, becoming curate of Winslade in 1748. In his early days Joseph wrote poetry, of which the most notable piece is The Enthusiast (1744), an early precursor of Romanticism. In 1755, he returned to his old school to teach, and from 1766 to 1793 was its headmaster, but it was a role in which he did not distinguish himself. His career as a critic was always more illustrious, and he published editions of classical poets such as Virgil as well as English poets including John Dryden. Like his brother, he was a friend of Samuel Johnson.The work is illustrated with many photographs and drawings of the uncovered relics, including several fold-out illustrations. The volumes show some external age/wear including partial spine separation to volume one (detached pieces are included), and are solidly bound with bright pages. The books measure approximately 5.5" x 8.5" and contain 396 + 416 pages, followed by a 10-page index. Shipping cost (within the U.S.) for this lot will be: $6.50