A Fine Early Georgian Manuscript of Lalla Rookh An Oriental Romance Moore, Thomas

Three volumes, 279, 276 and 219 pages respectively, with calligraphic title pages for each volume. The page numbering is accurate, though with one inconsistency, in that in volume 1 the writer has chosen not to include the blank between the poem and the notes as part of the pagination, whereas in vols 2 & 3 the blanks are counted. Written in an elegant highly legible unknown hand, on paper which looks to be watermarked 1821. Each volume with the armorial bookplate of a member of the Hampson family to the front pastedown, the family motto reading: 'Nunc aut nunquam', emblazoned with a greyhound's head. Possibly that of Jane Hampson (1827-1909), whose father was Sir George Francis Hampson (1789-1833). The books are firmly bound in contemporary full calf, decorated in gilt, with black title labels, and marbled endpapers front and rear, the hinges are splitting but the cords are still holding the boards reasonably securely, there Is some chipping and loss of the leather to the spines and the boards are marked, bumped and rubbed. The text blocks are age toned, slightly marked and foxed, with some staining to the edges and a few dog-eared page corners. An early complete manuscript copy of Moore's enormously popular and influential work of romantic prose and poetry, seemingly made by a Scottish writer based upon the Dunbar location noted to the title pages. Comprised of four long tales in verse, sung by the poet, The Veiled Prophet of Khorassan in order to charm and seduce the Princess, Lalla Rookh, during her travels to meet her arranged suitor which are outlined in the framing narrative. The text appears to be based upon one of the early London editions, though the writer has chosen an alternative arrangement, with the poetry and prose first in each volume, followed by a separate long section of notes with corresponding page references to the rear, whereas in the published work there is a mixture of shorter footnotes throughout the main text and then a section of longer notes to the rear. The link with the Hampson family is unclear, presumably it was either written by a member of the family during a stay in Dunbar, or, given the subject of the poem, possibly it was presented as a gift by a member of the Dunbar clan to their lover or intended spouse. Whatever its original intention, it remains a charming work representing immense industry, care and investment of time on somebody's part, not to mention a considerable monetary outlay upon the paper and bindings, and it is a remarkable survival.