MONCRIEFF, W.T.

Poems.

      London: (For Private Distribution Only) At the Author's Private Press, Saville House, Lambeth, 1829. Sole edition. 8vo. viii, 176 pp., plus seven additional leaves bound in at the front of the volume, of which five leaves contain an original manuscript poem titled "An Allegory", scribed recto and verso in one hand and signed by Moncrieff in his own slightly unsteady hand. Furthermore a presentation inscription at the head of the title page to one "J. Miles Esq." from the author in the same hand as the poem. Dark brown full morocco, elaborate gilt tooled border and central gilt device of a classical vase abundant with flowers to each board, spine very sympathetically restored to style with gilt decorated bands and lettering. Frontispiece portrait of the author. Some abrasions to upper board, minor wear to extremities, otherwise in very good condition. William Thomas Moncrieff (1794-1857) was primarily known as a dramatist and theatre director, enjoying much success in London in the 1820's and early 1830's. His sight began to fail after this and by 1843 he was completely blind - a sign of his reduced circumstances was his admittance to the alms of the Charterhouse in 1844. The loss of his sight explains the unsteadiness of his signature and his use of an amanuensis for the poem. Another example of his writing which we have traced from this period of his life matches this item.