Poems by H. Major

London: William Freeman, 102 Fleet Street. Printed by Ballantyne, Roberts & Co., Edinburgh, 1865

Hardback; original green cloth, blind-stamped front, gilt spine titles; no dust-jacket; 183 pp; 18.1 × 11.5 × 1.8 cm ; 231 g.
 
Condition: Very Good. Boards firm and intact with minor edge wear, light surface marks, and slight bubbling; corners gently bumped. Binding tight; single partial and minor gutter crack (see photograph of pages 80 and 81). Leaves lightly tanned, clean, with occasional very small marks, very light foxing or very occasional light crease or fold to the corners; edges untrimmed with occasional pen-knife rip—a charming vestige of Victorian production. Previous ownership inscription (“Mrs Lamin”) in ink on front free endpaper, however, there are no further pen or pencil marks written. Original page count complete.
 
Content: This stunning volume presents four thoughtfully arranged sections: JEPHTHAH, RURAL ETCHINGS & SKETCHINGS, LYRA SACRA, and MISCELLANEOUS POEMS, featuring lyrical works exploring rural life, psalmic devotion, literary homage, and human emotion. Highlights include:
JEPHTHAH
The Rustic Philosopher
Oh, how my weary spirit pineth!
Welcome to Garibaldi
The Guardian Angel
The Lover’s Plaint and more.
 
Provenance & Historical Significance: Preface dated “Harby, 1865” firmly anchors the author to Leicestershire. Likely authored by Henry Major (b. c. 1838), schoolmaster turned school inspector, who died on 21 November 1914. There is no evidence of further literary output under this name.
 
Scarcity & Appeal: Likely unique or one of very few surviving copies. Not listed in major bibliographies or library records. An exceptional acquisition for collectors of Victorian poetry, Leicestershire local history, or rare educational press publications.