First edition, large 8vo (234 x 145 mm), viii, 481, [1]pp., frontis., vignette on title, woodcut portraits in the text, recent green buckram, morocco spine label. This famous catalogue, with notes by A.F. Griffiths and prices affixed, includes the rarest books in English Poetry. The collection was originally formed by R. Park, the editor of several bibliographical works. Park disposed of them to Thomas Hill for an annuity. When Mr. Hill's affairs became embarrassed, he sold this portion of his library to Mr. Octavius Gilchrist, a grocer at Stamford. Gilchrist later sold the whole to Longmans, and thus they came to the market, with the present volume as the sale catalogue. Each of the 956 items are described in detail and all are priced. Lowndes says, "This extremely useful catalogue of the rare and curious collection made by R. Park, and added to by Thos. Hill is deserving of a place in every good library, from the interesting information which it affords of the works of our early poets." Provenance: From the library of Prof. T. A. Birrell, a note in pencil to half-title "Ex White Knights, Case 50, Shelf 1." Lowndes I, p.200.
