UNDER A MICROSCOPE

Portland, Maine: Thomas B. Mosher, 1899. First Thus, and First American Edition. Paper over boards as issued. Fine. One of 450 printed on Van Gelder paper over boards, as issued. Fine in VG printed dust wrapper. First thus, and First American Edition. ________ The unsigned preface (pp. vii-[x]) is by the publisher. Swinburne’s text, reprinted from the first edition published by D. White (London, 1872), runs from pp. 1-[85], which is then followed by three appendices. All but one of the selections are by Robert Buchanan, most famous for his pamphlet, 'The Fleshy School of Poetry and Other Phenomena of the Day' (London: Strahan, 1872), a work attacking Rossetti and Swinburne and prompting Swinburne’s rejoinder in 'Under the Microscope'. ________ T. J. Wise notes: "In 1899 a handsome but unauthorized edition... was published by Thomas B. Mosher...", Colbeck calls this "a handsome but unauthorized reprint of the book first printed in 1872.", and Livingston notes: "Under the Microscope was never reprinted in England, but Mosher published an edition in 1899, which gives the text of the reprinted leaf, not the original." Apparently Livingston is referring to the cancel leaf (pp. 41/42) of the 1872 edition. ________ Binding and book in FINE CONDITION with slightly sullied printed dust jacket. ________ "Foremost among documents humains brought to the surface by Robert Buchanan's 'The Fleshly School of Poetry' is the rare pamphlet 'Under the Microscope' (London, 1872), which, written in the plentitude of Swinburne's poetic and critical powers, is unequalled save by some of Swift's or Junius' murderous onslaughts upon their enemies. If justification is sought, it may readily be found in the effect that Buchanan's essay had upon Rossetti. Swinburne's exhaustless vocabulary of vituperation remains 'through glad and sorry years' a warning and a portent." --T. B. Mosher's catalogue entry. ________ Bishop 423; Hatch 120; DLB LVII, p. 306; Quinn 9459 & 9460; Colbeck II, p. 804 (81); Boss XIII 153; Livingston, pp. 21, 30; Wise 56 (see note) and Vol. I, p. 220; The Ashley Library VI: 104; Grigsby 1126. About 9 1/4" x 6 1/4". Private Press.