Of poets, Shelley’s pieces were among the first to attain high prices, and Byron’s among the last.
Arnold.—Matthew Arnold’s “Strayed Reveller. By A.,” 1849, and “Empedocles on Etna,” 1852, have long been classed among the rare books. The former was published at 4s. 6d., and its usual price now is £4, but a copy has fetched £7. The latter was published at 6s., and is now valued at from £3, 10s. to £6.
Beckford, Poetical Sketches.
Gaisford (1890), £40.
Blake (W.), Songs of Innocence and of Experience [1789]. Engraved and coloured by Blake, in green morocco by Lewis.
Sir W. Tite, £61. Lord Beaconsfield, £85. Beckford (1882), £146.
—— Milton: a Poem. Engraved throughout, and ornamented with designs by Blake, blue morocco by Mackenzie.
Beckford (1882), £230.
Browning.—Robert Browning’s first publication, which appeared when its author was in his twenty-first year, is a great rarity.