Jerusalem Delivered, an Heroic Poem translated by John Hoole, 2 volumes, first American edition
Newburyport: Edward Little & Co., 1810. First American edition. Hardcover. 2 volumes, 8.5 x 5.25 inches, bound in contemporary deep red leather-backed blue patterned boards, with tips of corners also in leather, flat spines, gilt ruled and stamped, near fine set, just a touch of wear. Contents very clean and bright, with frontispiece portrait of Tasso in the first volume and 4 additional engraved plates. Exceptional condition. Tasso's 1590s long poem is a thrilling look at the conflicts between Christian crusaders in Jerusalem in 1099 and the Muslims they encountered. Hoole's translation was first published in 1763 in London but not until this edition in the US. Johnson was friendly with Hoole and Robert Southey told Hoole once that his translation of Tasso was the first book he acquired as a youth. Near Fine. Item #H22895
Price: $175.00