Advent, A Mystery

NY: John S. Taylor, 1837. First. Cloth. First edition. lim octavo in dark olive green cloth, spine lettering gilt and with gilt ornaments front and rear boards; all edges gilt; (x), 132 pps. with notes to the text. An original and inventive dramatic poem presented in dialogue and set in Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Christ. The dramatis personae include shepherds, angels, a Wise Man and the fiend-witch Hecate who, assisted by Somnus ("a demon supposed to cause unnatural slumbers") attempts to foil the birth of Jesus. According to the author's preface, this poem was originally written as a Christmas Eve entertainment intended for the ears of a few friends; the term "mystery" is intended inthe manner of "the old monkish title" bestowed upon the mysteries of Scripture. A tight copy, cloth somewhat rubbed bit all gilt bright; there is tidemarking to the lower interior corners of the first 40 or so leaves, otherwise the text block is bright with some occasional foxing. Very Good. Item #D8535

Price: $95.00

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