SHELLEY, Percy Bysshe. Alastor; or, the Spirit of Solitude: and Other Poems. London: S. Hamilton for Baldwin, Cradock and Joy and Carpenter and Son, 1816.

First edition of Shelley's "first authentic and unmistakable poem ... the tragedy of the idealist who seeks in reality the counterpart of his ideal" (Cambridge History of English Literature). "As first published, it is accompanied by ten minor poems (Stanzas, Sonnets, etc.) and the first part of The Daemon of The World... In an article on Young Poets in The Examiner for December 1, constituting perhaps the 'first public recognition of Shelley's poetical gifts,' Leigh Hunt characterized the author of Alastor (then a stranger to him) as 'a very striking and original thinker.' It is generally conceded that in Alastor Shelley showed himself a greater master of blank verse than any other poet of the time" (Granniss Shelley 32). Ashley V, pp.60-61; Tinker 1892; Wise Shelley pp.42-3.

Octavo (162 x 95mm). Half-title and fly-titles (small repaired tear to title page). Full morocco gilt by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, ornately patterned, top edge gilt, inner dentelles, silk doublures (covers detached). Slipcase. Provenance: Mortimer L. Schiff (leather bookplate).