When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Own an original piece of eighteenth-century literary history.
Published in 1775, this impressive large quarto edition of Thomas Gray’s Works presents the celebrated English poet’s writings alongside William Mason’s influential memoir of Gray’s life. Best known for Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, Gray remains one of the most collected poets of the eighteenth century, and this handsome early edition captures his work in a format worthy of its era.
The book immediately stands out with its large engraved portrait frontispiece, beautiful watermarked laid paper, attractive marbled page edges, original raised-band leather spine, and the original burgundy spine label reading “GRAY’S WORKS.” These surviving original features give the volume the unmistakable appearance collectors look for in authentic eighteenth-century books.
Unlike many restored examples, this copy remains an honest survivor. It retains evidence of more than two centuries of ownership, including an early engraved Baltimore bookplate, period ownership markings, blind ownership stamps, and the natural character that develops only through genuine age and use.
Condition is important and is fully reflected in the price. Both original leather-covered boards are detached from the text block. The leather binding shows expected heavy wear, rubbing, cracking, and losses. Inside, the book remains remarkably appealing with its original laid paper, engraved portrait, and substantial text block intact, although there is scattered foxing, age toning, staining, old paper repairs, several tears, gutter splitting, and other signs of age and use visible throughout. Please examine every photograph carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Whether purchased as a restoration candidate, an important reference copy, or an authentic display piece for an antiquarian library, this is a striking original eighteenth-century volume that still possesses tremendous shelf presence and historical appeal nearly 250 years after it was printed.
⸻
ITEM SPECIFICS
Title: The Poems of Mr. Gray
Subtitle: To Which Are Prefixed Memoirs of His Life and Writings
Author: Thomas Gray
Editor: William Mason
Publication Year: 1775
Edition: Second Edition
Format: Hardcover
Binding: Original Full Leather
Book Size: Quarto
Language: English
Publisher: Printed by H. Hughs
Seller: J. Dodsley & J. Todd
Place of Publication: London
Illustrated: Yes
Illustrator: Engraved Frontispiece Portrait
Paper: Watermarked Laid Paper
Page Edges: Marbled
Binding Features: Raised Bands; Original Spine Label
Features: Original 1775 Edition; Contemporary Leather Binding; Engraved Portrait; Marbled Page Edges; Watermarked Paper
Subject: English Literature
Topic: Poetry; Literary Biography; 18th Century Literature
Era: Georgian
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: England
Personalized: No
Signed: No
Ex Libris: Yes (Bookplate and ownership markings)
Inscribed: No
ISBN: Does Not Apply
