Jerusalem Delivered; an Historic Poem.
London: Johnson, Cuthell et al., 1804. 2 volume set, 11 1/4 inches tall. A simple but elegant later half morocco by Ramage with gilt raised bands, ornate centre tools and top edges gilt. Decorated with portrait frontispiece and 14 very fine full page engravings. Bookplate. This hugely successful epic poem, written by Tasso in the middle of the 16th century, tells the story of the First Crusade in which Godfrey of Bouillon leads the Christian Knights into battle, and eventual victory, against the Muslims, to take Jerusalem in 1099. The Poem is a heady mixture of violence and romance set in a romantic and exotic setting that proved particularly popular before the French Revolution and during the Romantic period. A splendid copy in pristine condition.