The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖

$75.00
An old hardcover book with a worn brown cover featuring ornate patterns and the title 'Wordsworth' printed on it.
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
An old hardcover book with a worn brown cover featuring ornate patterns and the title 'Wordsworth' printed on it.
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖
The Poetical Works of Wordsworth by William Wordsworth (Antique Edition), c. late 19th-century ✨📜📖

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This listing presents an antique edition of The Poetical Works of Wordsworth: Poems Written in Youth, a beautiful collection showcasing the formative stages of the great English Romantic poet's literary career.

This volume serves as an authentic artifact of the Victorian era's appreciation for classic literature and a unique find for a collector of literary history and fine bindings.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

This collection features the works of William Wordsworth (1770-1850), a central figure in the Romantic Movement. Wordsworth famously defined poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" and viewed nature as a spiritual force.

The book's aesthetic appeal as a well-bound and handsomely printed volume makes it a prime example of American bookmaking from the period, demonstrating a cultural commitment to making classic literature accessible to a broader audience.

3. About the Publisher/Maker ✍️🏛️

This book is a tangible link to the late 19th and early 20th-century trend of collecting and publishing the works of Romantic poets in handsome bindings for a wider audience.

Published by Thomas Y. Crowell & Co., a prominent American publisher based in New York, this volume is a product of its time. The company's commitment to producing such visually appealing and enduring volumes reflects the cultural value placed on classic literature during the period.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

This book's creation in the late 19th century places it within the heart of the Victorian era, a period of immense social and technological change. As the public became more literate and had more leisure time, there was a growing demand for beautifully bound, affordable editions of classic works. The publication of books like this reflected a cultural commitment to moral education and the appreciation of great art.

The book is an artifact of a time when the great Romantic poets, though from an earlier generation, were being embraced and re-canonized by the Victorians. The book's decorative binding and elegant script are characteristic of the aesthetic trends of the period, demonstrating a desire to celebrate literary figures through physical craftsmanship. This volume serves as a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the intellectual and cultural world of late 19th-century America.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book will appeal to a discerning collector with an appreciation for both literature and the history of publishing. The ideal buyer is likely:

  • A Collector of Literary History: This is a key piece for any collection focused on the legacy of the Romantic Movement and its influence on later generations.

  • An Admirer of Fine Bindings: The book's handsome, embossed leather cover makes it a prime example for collectors who value the aesthetic and craftsmanship of fine books.

  • A Bibliophile of Americana: This volume, published by a prominent American company, is a unique window into American bookmaking during the Victorian period.

  • A Lover of William Wordsworth: For someone who holds a deep appreciation for the poet, this book offers an authentic, physical connection to his enduring work.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This antique edition of a foundational work of English literature is a key piece for any serious collection. As a book that was intended for a mass audience, it was not always well-preserved, making a copy in good condition a genuine rarity on the market.

The book is approximately 125-140 years old, a survivor of a different era. While its age and aesthetic appeal are significant, its value is further enhanced by its status as an authentic artifact of the Victorian period. The value is not in its scarcity as a single copy but in its cultural significance and visual condition.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

  • The binding is a brown, embossed leather, showing significant wear consistent with its age, including rubbing, scuffing, and some loss of the original finish.

  • The pages have some expected discoloration and foxing, a natural process for paper from this period.

  • The text remains clear and readable.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

  • The book's handsome, embossed leather cover with its elegant gilt script makes it a beautiful decorative item as well as a literary one.

  • The author, William Wordsworth, helped launch the Romantic Age in English literature in the late 18th century.

  • The book is a fascinating example of a "crossover" collectible that appeals to collectors of rare books, literary history, and early 20th-century design.

  • The specific wording on the title page, "Poems Written in Youth," indicates that this was part of a planned series of Wordsworth's works, showcasing the publisher's detailed approach to literary collections.

9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

  • Title: The Poetical Works of Wordsworth: Poems Written in Youth

  • Author: William Wordsworth

  • Publisher: Thomas Y. Crowell & Co.

  • Place: New York

  • Year: Undated, c. late 19th century

  • Format: Hardcover, Embossed Leather

  • Transcription: The title page reads: "THE POETICAL WORKS OF WORDSWORTH. NEW YORK: THOMAS Y. CROWELL & CO."

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