BYRON, GEORGE GORDON, LORD | Hebrew Melodies. London: John Murray, 1815

The Property of a Gentleman

BYRON, GEORGE GORDON, LORD

Hebrew Melodies. London: John Murray, 1815

8vo (5 1/2 x 8 3/4 in.; 140 x 221 mm). Half-title, verso of E4 with advertisement for Rogers' "Jacqueline" followed by a six line advertisement for Campbell's "Selected Beauties of English Poetry," publisher's advertisements at end; one or two stray spots. Original drab paper wrappers, untrimmed; wrappers chipped at top of backstrip, split at center upper wrapper split but holding. In a blue cloth folding chemise case.

First edition, first issue, in original wrappers

At the urging of composer Isaac Nathan, Byron produced Hebrew Melodies, which included some of his most enduring lyrics, such as "She Walks in Beauty" and "The Destruction of Sennacherib." The former was based on the poet's first meeting with Ann Wilmot. Wilmot was the wife of Byron’s cousin, Sir Robert Wilmot, and Byron was so taken with her unusual beauty, that the now iconic poem was completed the morning after they were introduced to one another.

Randolph notes that the present edition consisted of 6,000 copies.

REFERENCES

Randolph 50; Wise I: 103-4