The Prelude, or, Growth of a Poet's Mind: An Autobiographical Poem

Wordsworth, William

Published by Edward Moxon and Co, London, 1851

Small Octavo. Second edition. x, 304 pages. The remarkable autobiographical poem which first appeared in print in 1851 and for a generation was among the most admired in the Victorian era. But for many years his heirs effectively controlled the image of the poet, policing the copyright to the authorized editions of 1849-1850. His biography was written by the high-church bishop of Lincoln who smoothed over Wordworth's radicalism, and omitted all mention of his year affair with Annette Vallon and her pregnancy. Moxon was allowed to print these editions to 1892 when the first scholarly editions were allowed to be printed by William Knight who worked out that Wordsworth and indeed fathered an illigetimate child by Annette Vallon [the earlier authorized editions also emphasized his alleged adherence to the Church of England] but these facts were not published until 1926. Bound by Pudden in full brown morocco decorated in gilt, raised bands with compartments fully gilt decorated and lettered in gilt, decorative gilt turn-in,s all edges gilt, previouse owner's name dated 1853 A very fine morocco binding of a lovely edition of Wordsworth's autobiography in poetic form. Seller Inventory # 031082

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Prelude, or, Growth of a Poet's Mind: An...
Publisher: Edward Moxon and Co, London
Publication Date: 1851