Description

First Edition of Southey’s Verse Collection: A highly attractive set in Bedford binding of the full first edition, issued in two volumes over three years. This is Southey’s first book of poems published under his name alone, which includes his long poem “Botany Bay Eclogues.” The first volume was suppressed after publication, and a second edition was printed later the same year. This fine set is a rare example of the true first edition, including the second volume in its first 1799 appearance.

Themes and Content: The “Botany Bay Eclogues” borrow from Southey’s early radicalism and privilege the new Australian society over life in England. The poems are made up of reminiscences of ordinary people transported to Australia as felons, who find Botany Bay a welcome haven despite their nostalgic memories of England.

Historical Context: In 1812, a year before his appointment as Poet Laureate, Southey considered a future as governor of New South Wales but declined due to his wife Edith’s reluctance for such a radical change. It is interesting to speculate on how Southey might have influenced the colony as its governor.