The Vann Victorian Collection: Victorian Poetry
The Strayed Reveller
Arnold, Matthew. The Strayed Reveller: And Other Poems. London, 1849. Print.
In 1849 Matthew Arnold (1822–1888) published his first book of poems, The Strayed Reveler, but because he did not want to trade on the fame of his father, Thomas Arnold, he signed the book with the initial “A.” Thomas Arnold was a historian who became the headmaster of the Rugby School, celebrated by Thomas Hughes in Tom Brown’s School Days. Matthew Arnold soon achieved fame on his own, becoming a major voice of Victorian skepticism.
This very rare first edition is bound in the publisher’s embossed and textured dark green cloth with gilt spine titles. Only 500 copies of this edition were printed.
Idylls of the King
Tennyson, Alfred T. Idylls of the King. London, 1859. Print.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892), published Idylls of the King, a cycle of twelve narrative poems about King Arthur, between 1859 and 1885. They were dedicated to Prince Albert, the deceased husband of Queen Victoria.
This first edition contains the first four of the idylls: “Enid,” “Vivien,” “Elaine” and “Guinevere.” The volume is complete with publisher’s advertisements in the beginning of the volume and is bound in the publisher’s embossed, green cloth with gilt spine titles.
Tennyson served as Poet Laureate of Great Britain from 1850 until his death.
