8vo. xxiii, [1], 215pp. With portrait frontispiece of the author. Uncut in original paper boards, neatly rebacked to style with original lettering-piece laid down. Slight rubbing to extremities else a fine copy with occasional foxing to text. Ink inscription of 'John J. Easson', dated 1840, to recto of frontispiece.

James Thomson (1763-1832). As the prefatory biographical sketch to this volume details, Thomson was a weaver from Kenleith, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, born in an even smaller village where 'nobody could read what he wrote'. His work was eventually brought to the attention of the local Minister, who sent his razors to Thomson, 'the most useful man in the parish', for sharpening. Their return was accompanied by 'a few verses suited to the occasions', inspiring said Minister to encourage Thomson to publish a collection. This was the first of three his three works, all published in Leith.