An inscribed presentation copy of the second edition, containing Wordsworth's preface and a cancel rectifying the omission of fifteen lines of Wordsworth's 'Michael' from the book. Only eight copies of the second edition with the cancel are known to exist. The present copy is inscribed by Wordsworth to his school friend William Calvert. A letter of Wordsworth bequeathed to the Trust in 1983 states that the book is a gift 'in grateful remembrance of your brother', namely Raisley Calvert, who bequeathed Wordsworth £900 in gratitude for his companionship when he was dying of consumption. The legacy gave Wordsworth the independence to devote his life to poetry.
Item Provenance
Bernard Quaritch Limited