Estimate: | £200 - £300 |
Hammer price: | £550 |
[?SOUTHEY, Robert (1774-1843)]. "Of Arthour and of Merlin", [n.d.], 4to (246 x 195mm.). Autograph manuscript on 20 leaves, in 2 distinct hands, the later part, written as prose on 4-pages, possibly in Robert Southey's hand [see note]. Contemporary calf gilt. Provenance: Federick William Cosens (1819-89, armorial bookplate with motto "Sub robore virtus"); 2 old catalogue descriptions laid down on front pastedown, the first referring to the present manuscript, but not mentioning Southey; the second referring to a printed copy of "The Byrth, Lyf, and Actes of King Arthur" (1814) edited by Southey. A pencil note on the front free endpaper states: "The second portion in the autograph of Robert Southey (?J.R.R.). The first part probably copies for him in his work of editing the Morte Darthur. J.R.R. A.19 Mss."