DICKINSON, Emily (1830-1886). Poems. Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1890. [With:] Poems. Second Series. Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1891. [And:] Poems. Third Series. Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1896.

The first three books of Dickinson's poetry, landmarks of American—and, indeed, world—literature. A handsome set of first editions. A recluse throughout most of her life, Dickinson's Poems was first published posthumously in a small edition of 500 copies on 12 November 1890. Aside from a small circle of family and friends, very few of her poems circulated in Dickinson's lifetime and this publication gave Dickinson's body of work its first public exposure. There had been printings of a few of her poems in only newspapers and anthologies before. The volume proved to be popular, and two more printings were required before the end of that year. The second series followed quickly in 1891 and the third series in 1896—after publication of the Letters in 1894. Together, they are the first book publications of Dickinson’s poetry and the complete series of the poems as edited by Mabel Loomis Todd. Further poems, these edited by Martha Dickinson Bianchi, began appearing in 1914. Emily Dickinson’s manuscripts, famously, remain split between those which had been in the possession of Todd (her brother’s mistress) and those inherited by her niece, Martha Bianchi. BAL 4655-4656; 4661 Myerson A1.1.a, A2.1.a, A4.1.a (Myerson’s “B” bindings).

"Dickinson rethought everything for herself. No commonplace survives her appropriation ... [Indeed, we] confront, at the height of her powers, the best mind to appear among Western poets in nearly four centuries" (Harold Bloom).

Three volumes, octavo. Illustrated with facsimiles in second volume. First volume in grey and white publisher’s cloth stamped in gilt and silver, top edges gilt (minor spotting/soiling to cloth, spine rubbed and tanned); second and third volumes in grey-green publisher's cloth stamped in gilt, top edges gilt (two unobtrusive ownership signatures, light wear to spine ends, gilt rubbed on Second Series spine); modern half morocco box.