The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Poems, Songs and Correspondence – c.1842

Author: Robert Burns (1759–1796) Editor and Biographer: Allan Cunningham (1784–1842) Full Title: The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing His Poems, Songs, and Correspondence; Illustrated by W. H. Bartlett, T. Allom, and Other Artists; with a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical, by Allan Cunningham. Publisher: George Virtue, London Publication Date: c.1842 (undated) Edition: Early Victorian illustrated edition Binding: Period half leather with marbled boards and richly gilt-decorated spine Illustrations: Engraved portrait frontispiece and additional engraved illustrations Condition: Good antiquarian condition, with considerable external wear Description An impressive nineteenth-century illustrated edition of The Complete Works of Robert Burns, published by George Virtue, London, around 1842, containing the poems, songs and correspondence of Scotland's national poet, together with an extensive biography and critical and biographical notices by Allan Cunningham. This substantial volume brings together the celebrated writings of Robert Burns (1759–1796), whose poetry and songs remain among the most influential achievements of Scottish literature. The edition is particularly attractive for its engraved illustrations after W. H. Bartlett, T. Allom and other artists, including a finely executed portrait frontispiece of Burns, retaining its original tissue guard. The volume is handsomely bound in period half leather with decorative marbled boards and an elaborately gilt-tooled spine. The black leather spine features raised bands, ornate gilt floral and scrollwork panels, decorative borders and a contrasting leather title label lettered Burns's Works. Despite considerable external wear, the gilt decoration remains striking and provides an attractive example of nineteenth-century bookbinding. Original Engravings The volume contains engraved illustrations, including a particularly attractive portrait frontispiece of Robert Burns, showing the poet in an oval decorative surround with books, scrolls and other literary emblems. The engraved caption beneath the portrait reads Robert Burns – Poet. The original tissue guard survives, and the photographed illustrations retain considerable detail. The engravings are an important feature of this early Victorian edition and add to its appeal for collectors of illustrated literature and Scottish history. Condition Good antiquarian condition, with substantial wear to the period binding. The volume retains its attractive half-leather binding with marbled paper-covered boards and a richly gilt-decorated spine. Externally, the boards display considerable rubbing, scuffing, surface abrasion and areas of paper loss, particularly along the edges and corners. There is pronounced wear to the leather corners, with some underlying board exposed. The leather spine shows significant age-related rubbing and abrasion, particularly at the head and foot and along the raised bands. Nevertheless, the elaborate gilt decoration remains substantially preserved, and the title label is present and legible. Internally, the photographed pages are generally clean and clearly printed, with natural age-related toning, scattered foxing and occasional minor staining. The engraved portrait frontispiece displays some foxing, particularly around the margins, but retains attractive detail. The tissue guard remains present. The volume contains early handwritten inscriptions, including the dated 1847 ownership and presentation inscriptions described above. The book retains considerable period character and has not been cosmetically restored. The binding's firmness and the completeness of the engraved illustrations have not been independently verified. Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.…