Anthony Trollope's Copy of Orion, an Epic Poem.
Orion, an Epic Poem. R.H. Horne, pub. John Miller, London 1843. 137pp. Fifth edition, first same year. This edition has an extra 20 lines added in Book III.
'In 1843 Horne published the work for which he is best-known, the three-book epic Orion. This poem, broadly of the Spasmodic school, more credibly imagines the torments and distractions which befall genius than the precise nature of its enduring achievements. It was glowingly reviewed (by, among others, Edgar Allan Poe), and its public reputation was cannily enhanced by Horne's decision to price copies at a farthing, gaining him the nickname the Farthing Poet' (Oxford DNB). Horne spent 17 florid years in Victoria. See ADB entry.
Gift inscription to Robert Bell (1800-1867), writer, Irish journalist and editor who along with Elizabeth Browning assisted Horne on the title page, and Horne's note to Bell on where to find the 'interpolations'.
Front pastedown has the armorial bookplate for Anthony Trollope. Trollope spent a year in Australia in 1871 and revisited in 1875. Scarce.
Contemporary half calf on khaki cloth boards which are aged and rubbed. Corners very worn. Binders spare title label extant inside. Internal hinges cracked. Text block dusted to the top, pages toned, contents fairly clean and straight. (18x12cm)




Estimate $200-300