THE PILGRIM: A Poem
London: Simpkin, Marshall, & Co., [et al], 1839. First Edition. Hardcover. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author to Martin Francis Wyld on the front flyleaf, with a full page inscription by Wild on the following leaf concerning his relationship with Henderson. An allegorical religious poem inspired by John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress (1678). Billed as the Canto the First, it concludes with The Pilgrim standing at Conviction Gate. No subsequent parts were published, perhaps owing to the critical reviews, which were decidedly mixed: "Mr Henderson's spirit appears so right, that we wish we could conscientiously say anything for his poetical abilities" (Tait's Edinburgh Magazine). Frontispiece engraving. Octavo. The period gilt-stamped brown calf binding has been expertly refurbished and recased with a new calf spine. A bif of scuffing and uneven fading to the leather, with some loss at the corners. Scarce, OCLC locates only six copies. Good. Item #69290
Price: $350.00