Patmore, Coventry

8vo, first edition, ONE OF 250 COPIES, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE IRISH POET AUBREY DE VERE (1814--1902) TO THE IRISH CRITIC AND POET EDWARD DOWDEN (1843--1913) ("Professor E. Dowden | from A de Vere | Dec 26, 1874"), without the first leaf (see below), original pale blue wrappers, preserved in modern green cloth chemise lettered in gilt, backstrip repaired and restored, wrappers slightly soiled

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

As originally printed, the abandoned first leaf simply had “From the author” printed on the recto, and the book was used for presentation copies from Patmore. It can be inferred that Patmore sent this copy to de Vere, who felt it was politic to remove it when he presented the copy to Dowden: “Professor E. Dowden from A de Vere Dec. 26. 1874.” This important book is the precursor to what is generally considered Patmore’s finest work, The Unknown Eros. This book, and the Chiswick private press printing of Amelia (see lot 145) are the hardest to find of all of Patmore's books.