Victorian Poetry Appraisal

The Poetical Works of Alfred Tennyson, Complete Edition

This item is a hardbound book titled "The Poetical Works of Alfred Tennyson, Poet Laureate: Complete Edition." The cover appears to be a dark green cloth with visible signs of wear along the edges and spine, indicating its age and typical use. The pages visible in the image are off-white, suggesting aging and the natural oxidation of paper over time. One page features a black and white engraved portrait of a bearded man, likely Alfred Tennyson, consistent with 19th-century book illustration methods. The opposite page is the title page, clearly displaying the book's title, author, and the phrase "COMPLETE EDITION." Below this, there is text indicating that the work is "ILLUSTRATED BY GUSTAVE DORE, W. HODMAN HUNT, CLARKSON STANFIELD, J.E. MILLAIS, R.A., N.E. EDWARDS AND OTHERS," highlighting its illustrative quality and the notable artists involved. At the bottom, the publishers are identified as "NEW YORK, THE ARUNDEL PRINTING AND PUBLISHING CO." The text "The 'Arundel Poets'" is also visible at the top, likely indicating the series to which this edition belongs. The visible pages show some creasing and slight discoloration, but no major tears or repairs are immediately apparent. The binding appears to be intact, though its full condition cannot be assessed from these images alone. The typesetting is characteristic of the late 19th or early 20th century, with clear, legible fonts. The overall quality of the production suggests a standard, well-made edition for its time, likely intended for a general readership interested in poetry. The presence of illustrations by renowned artists adds to its appeal and potential historical value.