1809 Poems on the Abolition of the Slave Trade

Description

An Important Work, Fine Binding, First Edition, Illustrated, Pleasing Copy, Scarce

With an engraved title page and twelve plates. With illustrations of three leading abolitionists, Granville Sharp, Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce. There is accompanying text to each portrait, explaining their work. Collated, complete. This handsome work was commissioned by the publisher Robert Bowyer to celebrate the abolition of the slave trade. With three epic poems by James Montgomery, James Grahame and E Benger. Montgomery's 'The West Indies', Grahame's 'Africa Delibered' and Benger's 'A Poem, Occasioned by the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1806'. These anti-slavery poems were all commissioned by Bowyer for their inclusion in this work. The plates to this work are from drawings by renowned artist Robert Smirke. Smirke was a member of the Royal Academy. He illustrated numerous works including 'The Picturesque Beauties of Shakespeare', 'Rasselas' and 'Gil Blas'. Engraved by Scriven and Worthington. A smart example of this important work that commemorates a big part of Britain's history.