The Complete Works of Thomas Lovell Beddoes; Edited with a memoir by Edmund Gosse [2 volumes - Complete]

London: Fanfrolico Press, 1928. Limited Edition No. 251 of 750 copies. Hardcover. Near Fine.

Cloth-backed patterned boards, printed paper spine labels. Illustrated with frontispiece portrait and textual illustrations after The Dance of Death by Hans Holbein. The bindings are tight and square. Text clean, light even toning. Moderate shelf handling wear. Minor wear and scuffing to edges of boards, faint staining to edges of text blocks; near fine. 10.25 inches tall; vii, 256 and 269 - 590 pages with notes..

This lovely edition presents a comprehensive compilation of the writings of Thomas Lovell Beddoes, a notable English poet and physician of the nineteenth century.

Delving into his complete letters, poetry, and dramatic pieces, this volume offers readers a profound insight into Beddoes' enduring fascination with the theme of mortality.

Renowned critic Lytton Strachey referred to Beddoes as "the last Elizabethan," acknowledging the remarkable quality of his expression rather than his philosophical insights. Notably, John William Cousin praises Beddoes' shorter works for their thought-provoking nature and rich linguistic tapestry.

After a nomadic life in Western Europe, Beddoes eventually returned to England in 1846 before relocating to Germany once again. Unfortunately, plagued by increasing inner turmoil, he tragically took his own life through poisoning in Basel in 1849, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with both the intensity of his contemplations and the profound beauty of his verse.

Background Information:
The Fanfrolico Press was a short-lived but influential private press operating in London from 1923 to 1928. Founded by Australian poet Jack Lindsay, the press aimed to publish literary works of high quality and artistic merit. It gained notoriety for its bold and explicit content, challenging the prevailing moral standards of the time.

Despite its limited lifespan, the Fanfrolico Press left a lasting impact on the world of private printing, paving the way for later experimental and avant-garde publishing ventures. Today, its publications are highly sought after by collectors and bibliophiles.