Quarto. xi, [1], 131pp, [1]. With an engraved frontispiece, and one further engraved illustration in the text. Contemporary calf, tooled in black and gilt, calf lettering-piece, A.E.G. Extremities rubbed and a trifle marked. Marbled endpapers, inked ownership inscriptions of Simpkin to front blank fly-leaf and head of title, scattered foxing.

First published in 1799, The Pleasures of Hope marked the debut of Glaswegian poet Thomas Campbell (1777-1844). The didactic poem found immediate critical acclaim and commercial success, leading Campbell to be dubbed the 'Scottish Milton'.