John Aikin - An Essay on the Application of Natural History to Poetry

Warrington; London, W. Eyres for J. Johnson, 1777. First edition. Leather. The first edition of this vanishingly scarce study on poetry and what the genre could learn from science, by John Aikin. The first edition.A very scarce work.An essay exploring the question of how science could invigorate the genre of poetry, which the author bemoans as becoming insipid and repetitive. The author believed that poetry could learn a lot from the sciences, in particular the study of nature.By John Aikin, a doctor and surgeon, practicing in various places including London and Great Yarmouth. After retiring from medicine in 1798 he pursued and succeeded in literary pursuits. His best known work is his ten volumes 'General Biography&apos. Through one of his sons he was the grandfather of the author Anna Letitia le Breton, who wrote poetry, essays, and children's books.Bookplate of J. O. Edwards to the front paste down, and to the verso of the front endpaper. Prize inscription to the recto of the front endpaper. In a half calf binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart, with loss to the head of the spine and spine label. Some discolouration to the spine and extremities. Light rubbing to the boards. Small tears to the head of the joints. Front hinge is a little strained but remains firm, rear hinge is starting. Bookplate and bookseller's label to the front paste down, bookplate to the verso of the front endpaper. Prize inscription to the recto of the front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned with scattered spots. Good . Ill.: None. Good .

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