The Task — William Cowper

Dimensions: Approximately 6.5 inches tall × 4 inches wide.

London: John Sharpe, Piccadilly, 1817. Printed by C. Whittingham, Chiswick.

A beautiful early 19th-century illustrated edition of William Cowper's celebrated poem The Task, presented in an exceptionally attractive compact full-leather binding.

Binding & Decorative Features

• Rich brown full-leather binding with elaborate gilt floral and scrollwork borders on both covers.

• Ornately gilt-decorated spine with raised bands and gilt lettering.

• All page edges gilt.

• Decorative gilt turn-ins along the interior board edges.

• Period-style ribbon bookmark still present.

• Beautifully preserved decorative appearance.

Illustrations & Provenance

Features finely engraved illustrations after Richard Westall, R.A., including engravings dated October 1, 1817.

An elegant handwritten presentation inscription dated April 1822 appears on the preliminary title page.

Condition

Very attractive antique condition for a book published in 1817. The leather binding retains its rich color and extensive gilt decoration, with age-related rubbing and wear, particularly at the spine extremities and corners. Some foxing and scattered age-related discoloration are present, especially on certain preliminary and illustrated pages, while many text pages remain remarkably clean and bright.

The original-style ribbon bookmark remains present. The book displays beautifully.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

A charming, finely bound Georgian-era volume, ideal for collectors of antique poetry, decorative leather bindings, and early 19th-century illustrated books.