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This edition of "Algernon Charles Swinburne : Personal Recollections by his Cousin, Mrs. Disney Leith" was published by G. P. Putnam's Sons in New York in 1917. It is the First American Edition. Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837 - 1909) was an English poet, novelist, playwright, and critic who was connected to the Pre-Raphaelite movement. His poetic and prose output was considerable, frequently alluding to classical and historical persons (Sappho and Catullus were favorites). Many of the subjects to which he was attracted, and about which he wrote, were controversial . even taboo at the time. Indeed, he was strongly aligned with the Decadent School. These things, coupled with his own eccentric behavior caused him to be severely criticized and caricatured. As Swinburne strove to establish his bad boy image, he was an easy target. His poetry, however, was serious, and frequently of a very high sort, and was considered by some critics to be often profound in his writing. ********************************************* The book presented here was written by a family member, and includes extracts from some of Swinburne's private letters. There is a handsome frontispiece which is a replica of a photograph of the poet at age 25. There is a "Prefatory Note at the beginning of the book which states : "The following 'Recollections' (with the verses 'A Year's Mind') appeared originally in the April number of the 'Contemporary Review' in 1910. They have been revised and considerably expanded since they first appeared, and in their amended condition are now at length given to the world." There are eight photographs (including the Frontispiece) placed as illustrations through the text - each printed on calendered paper. A goodly part of the book consists of excerpts from his correspondence - and through those we experience his tours through Europe, his time at Oxford University, his interactions with the Pre-Raphaelites, (particularly Dante Rossetti and his wife) and Swinburne's own family and personal life. ********************************************** The illustrations are as follows : A. C. Swinburne at 25 (Frontispiece) / East Dene, Bonchurch / Rear-Admiral C. H. Swinburne / The Lady Jane Swinburne / Miss Alice Swinburne / Swinburne's Handwriting and Autograph, 1890 / Miss Isabel Swinburne / Swinburne's Handwriting and Autograph, 1907. ************************************************* TITLE : Algernon Charles Swinburne : Personal Recollections by his Cousin / AUTHOR : Mrs. Disney Leith (Mary Charlotte Julia Leith - née Gordon, 1840-1926) [ First cousin to A. C. Swinburne] / IMPRINT : G. P. Putnam's Sons / PLACE : New York / DATE : 1917 / EDITION : First American Edition / STATUS : OP / PHYSICAL DETAILS : trade Hardcover; contains 8 photographs on calendered paper (including frontispiece, with attached guard tissue; has the Editor's Postscript, an Appendix, and an Index; [x] + 262 pages , plus six pages of publisher's list. approximately 5 1/4" x 8 1/4" (8vo); maroon, cloth covered binding with gilt lettering on front board and spine; T. E. G. (Top edge gilt). ************************************************* CONDITION . VERY GOOD . This is a previously owned book that shows wear from handling and time's passage, but which remains clean and serviceable, with the following particulars noted :: EXTERIOR -- Spine is darkened, with lettering having lost its sheen; spine extremities are compressed, displaying fraying and moderate abrasion; there is a small damp stain at the bottom fore-edge corner of the front boards; lettering on front is still bright. The rear board has a similar damp stain at the bottom fore-edge corner; else the boards are clean with but modest surface rub. Board edges have mild wear.Top edge gilt is quite rubbed, but still has a bit of sheen; fore and bottom text-block edges are toned, else clean. / BINDING -- Not as tight as when issued . it is obvious that the book has been read, as the leaves open widely . The hinges ju.
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