Hours of Idleness, A Series of Poems, Original and Translated

Title: Hours of Idleness, A Series of Poems, Original and Translated

Author: Byron, Lord, George Gordon

Publication: Newark: Printed and sold by S. and J. Ridge ..., 1807.

Description: First edition, first issue (not the later forgery or unauthorized printing) of Byron's first regularly published book, with points called for by Wise. Bound by Riviere & Son, stamp-signed in gilt on front turn-in, in full straight-grain navy goatskin, covers gilt with triple-line fillet frame within a single fillet frame, spine with five raised bands and gilt in compartments with lettering and double-line frames, gilt board edges and turn-ins, marbled endpapers, and all edges gilt. 7.25 x 4.625 inches; [3], vi-xiii, [1], 187, [1] pages. Half-title wanting. From the collection of Arthur Williams Hall (1873-1952) of Massachusetts, bibliophile and manufacturer of laboratory equipment, with his pencil notes on the front free endpaper; thence by descent through three generations. Light edgewear and moderate sunning to the spine, interior with light toning and infrequent foxing. Very Good+ to Near Fine.

This book was famously panned by critics in the Edinburgh Review, leading Byron to respond with the scathing satirical poem "English Bards and Scotch Reviewers." Reference: Wise, T.J. Bibliography of the writings in verse and prose of George Gordon Noel, Baron Byron, v. 1, page 7.