Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. [Coleridge, Samuel Taylor- First Edition, Bound by Sangorski and Sutcliffe] Christabel: Kubla Kahn, A Vision; The Pains of Sleep. John Murray, London, 1816.

Price: US$4750.00 + shipping

Description: First Edition. Thin 8vo. Superbly bound in attractive full teal crushed levant with gilt ruling on edges of covers, spine with five raised bands and gilt ruled panels and stippled design work on bands, lettering and date, edges of boards with single gilt filet ruling, stamp-signed by Sangorski & Sutcliffe on front dentelle. FIRST EDITION, containing the first printings of three of Coleridge's most celebrated poems. Half-title, no ads. Paul Francis Webster's copy (1907-1984), American lyricist (with his morocco bookplate). Also bookplate of Alfred Perlman, noted bibliophile and collector. Coleridge began writing "Christabel" as early as 1803. Coleridge composed "Kubla Khan" one night after he experienced an opium-influenced dream in 1797, but he was unable to complete it in the original plan, being interrupted by "a person from Porlock," causing him to forget the lines. He would read the poem periodically to the Wordsworths, Lord Byron, and other friends, and in April 1816, Byron persuaded him to publish the visionary Kubla Khan and Christabel. Fine copy of a wonderful presentation and certainly an historically significant book in every way.

Seller: Nudelman Rare Books, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.