8vo. In two volumes. xxiv, 326; viii, 353pp, [1]. Contemporary calf, tooled in gilt and blind, marbled boards, contrasting black morocco lettering-pieces. Rubbed and a trifle marked, spines sunned. Recent book-labels of J. O. Edwards to both FEPs, early inked ownership inscriptions to both FFEPs, scattered spotting.

The first edition of poet and Church of England clergyman George Crabbe’s (1754-1832) series of twenty-two poignant verse tales of love within the gentry, framed within the device of two brothers reunited at the hall of an elder sibling after many years of separation. The book was Crabbe’s first issued in collaboration with publisher John Murray, who had paid the author £3,000 for the manuscript and all of his copyrights.