1857 Poetical Works of Campbell & Coleridge | Gall & Inglis | Gilt Cloth | Illustrated
 
Book Title:
The Poetical Works of Thomas Campbell and Samuel T. Coleridge, With Lives
 
Estimated Publication Date:
Circa. 1857
 
Publishers:
Gall & Inglis, 6 George Street & 38 North Bridge, Edinburgh;
Houlston & Stoneman, Paternoster Row, London
 
Book Overview:
A rare and richly bound mid-19th century anthology of the complete poetic works of Thomas Campbell and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, presented in a decorative and collectible format. 
 
This volume contains:
Eight steel-engraved illustrations, including a detailed black-and-white frontispiece
Gilt titles and ornate gilt decoration on both front board and spine
Blind-stamped Victorian patterning to the rear board
All page edges gilt, adding distinction and luxury
Yellow pastedowns and endpapers
 
This edition is undated, but evidence points clearly to 1857. That year, Gall & Inglis moved to 6 George Street, and Houlston & Stoneman were soon renamed Houlston & Wright, making this a narrow window for dating. Its rarity, completeness, and fine condition make it an excellent addition to any collection of rare books or Victorian poetry.
 
Historical Context:
The firm of Gall & Inglis originated from a printing business established by James Gall in 1810. In 1848, Robert Inglis joined the firm, and by the 1850s they were producing religious literature, poetry, and illustrated volumes from 6 George Street. Their partnership with Houlston & Stoneman, who ceased using that name around 1857, further narrows the publication date.
 
The book's format and binding are typical of the Victorian gift-book tradition, a style highly sought after by collectors of 19th-century literature.
 
Exterior Condition:
Bound in textured blue cloth boards, this volume features:
Gilt titles and ornate gilt decoration on the front board and spine
Blind-stamped decoration to the rear board
The cover is intact and robust, with light rubbing, light marks, and wear typical of age, particularly to the spine and corners
Bumping and minor splits at the corners
Gilt remains bright and appealing
Please refer to photographs for more visual details
 
Interior Condition:
The interior is in good condition for a book of this age:
Yellow pastedowns and endpapers
Some staining, tanning and light foxing to preliminary pages, with occasional small marks throughout
Overall neat – No writing or rips, just the very occasional light creases
A very slight crack at the gutter between early pages, but otherwise tightly bound
No loose or missing pages
Complete with publisher’s catalogue at rear
 
Contents:
114 pages: The Poetical Works of Thomas Campbell
386 pages: The Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Includes Lives of the Authors and eight steel-engraved illustrations
 
About the Authors:
Thomas Campbell (1777–1844) was a Scottish poet famed for patriotic verse like "The Pleasures of Hope" and "Ye Mariners of England."
Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) was a central figure in the English Romantic movement, known for iconic works such as "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan."
 
Measurements:
Approximate size: 17 cm x 11 cm x 3.2 cm
Weight: Approximately 385 grams
 
Summary:
This rare 1857 volume combines the complete poetic output of two of the Romantic era’s most enduring figures. Presented in a richly gilt and illustrated Victorian binding, and in a superb state of preservation, it is ideal for collectors of antiquarian books, Romantic poetry, and Victorian literature.
 
Professionally packed and shipped with care.
Please review all photographs as they form part of the item description.