Title-page printed in gold and black + 121 pp. of text in a fine, cursive hand. 1 vols. 4to. A fine manuscript, beautifully bound, accompanied by a most unusual and splendidly printed title-page issued by James Cawthorn, the original publisher of the book. text copied transcribed from of the first authorized fourth edition, along with Byron's Notes, the critique from the Edinburgh Review which prompted Byron's angry response in "Scotch Reviewers", along a transcription of Byron's savage sonnet (known later as "Windsor Poetics") on the Prince Regent (later George IV), which Byron only allowed to be privately circulated The fourth edition of 1810 was the last edition which Byron authorized. By 1812, Cawthorn had prepared sheets for a fifth edition, but Byron refused to allow any further publications of a book which, by then, he mostly regretted. Sales of the fifth edition were stopped, but a few copies (only three or four) are known to exist. It is all the more interesting, therefore, to see this rare title-page with Cawthorn's imprint - an indication, possibly, that Cawthorn lent his support and encouragement to the continued circulation - in any form - of Byron's text. The beautiful title-page, "Printed for James Cawthorn" in gold and black, may very well have been the work of James Whitaker, a London printer especially associated with gold printing. Full black Regency morocco, gilt, covers with wide, gilt-rolled and blind-stamped borders, gilt-tolled and lettered spine, edges gilt, marbled endpapers. Corners a little bumped, else fine. Old auction description on pastedown, and small bookticket of previous owner ("H. Dunn") Title-page printed in gold and black + 121 pp. of text in a fine, cursive hand. 1 vols. 4to
