London: Smith, Elder,and Co, 1880. Hardcover. First Edition. AN IMPORTANT PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed “Mrs Proctor, with RB’s affectionate regards June 27 ‘80.” Anne Proctor’s husband, the barrister and poet Bryan W. Proctor (who wrote under the pseudonym Barry Cornwall), was the dedicatee of Browning’s poem “Columbe’s Birthday” (1844). The Proctors were among the Brownings’ closest friends. Proctor and John Forster anonymously edited the first selection from Browning’s works in the 1860s. Near fine in original brown cloth with gilt title to spine. Light rubbing to edges and corners. There is browning from a paper clip to the top edge of the first few pages, else the interior is very clean. 147 pages plus 2 pages of advertisements. POE/020309. Near Fine.

Item #21417

Price: $2,500.00