8vo. [4], 367pp, [1]. With a final page of errata. Contemporary speckled calf, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece, gilt. Rubbed and a trifle marked. Internally clean and crisp.

The first edition of William Cowper's (1731-1800) first collection of verse. The Poems were not immediately either critically or commercially successful, though Cowper did notable receive compliments on them from Benjamin Franklin.

ESTC notes that the preface by John Newton (Cowper's Olney Hymns collaborator) printed to accompany this edition was suppressed on publication. It does not appear in the present copy, as is usual.