William Munford, 1798

MUNFORD, William (1775-1825). Poems and Compositions in Prose on Several Occasions. Richmond: printed by Samuel Pleasants, 1798.

First edition, from the library of the author's grandson. Munford was a student of William & Mary College and a protegé of George Wythe. This is his first poetry collection, published when he was only 23 and containing poetic reflections on his Classical education as well as his experiences during the Revolution—as well as his only play, Almoran and Hamet, set in Persia. Evans 34159; Sabin 51316; Stoddard 610,

Octavo (203 x 131mm). Errata at end (some spots, 3 leaves with chips at edge of text block with some loss of printed letters). Contemporary half sheep and boards, with ink note on upper board "published by my grandfather William Munford" (upper board almost detached). Provenance: gift inscription to Thomas Munford, 1831-1918, grandson of the author, from his friend Micajah H. Clark, dated 1904.