The Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson

6b Lord Tennyson. London: Macmillan and Co. 1889. Fore-Edge Painting of Merlin and Vivian from “Idylls of the King”

Notes

Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892) was one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, whose work came to define the literary voice of nineteenth-century Britain. His poetry, including In Memoriam A.H.H., The Charge of the Light Brigade, and Idylls of the King, is marked by its musicality, emotional depth, and engagement with themes of loss, faith, heroism, and the passage of time. Writing during a period of rapid social and scientific change, Tennyson’s work often reflects the tension between traditional belief and modern uncertainty, capturing the intellectual and spiritual concerns of his age. His ability to blend personal reflection with national sentiment made his poetry widely admired and deeply influential.

In 1850, Tennyson was appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, a position he held for over four decades, becoming one of the longest-serving laureates in British history. In this role, he was called upon to compose poetry for significant national events, further cementing his status as the poetic voice of the Victorian period. His work enjoyed immense popularity during his lifetime, and he was regarded as a central cultural figure, admired by both the public and the literary establishment. Elevated to the peerage as Baron Tennyson in 1884, his legacy endures as one of the great poets of the English language, whose works continue to be read and studied for their lyrical beauty and historical significance.

This copy of Tennyson’s works features a concealed fore-edge painting depicting Merlin and Vivien, the Lady of the Lake, set within the woods of Broceliande, a scene drawn from his poetic cycle “Idylls of the King.” Rendered with delicate detail and revealed only when the pages are fanned, the image captures one of the most evocative episodes of Arthurian legend as interpreted by Tennyson, enhancing the volume with both visual and literary significance.

Description

Brown leather binding with gilt ornamentation in the four corners of the upper and lower boards. Five raised bands. Ornate gilt details in each compartment with gilt lettering in the second. All edges gilt. Marbled endpapers. Gilt turn-ins. When pages are fanned, a fore-edge painting of Merlin and Vivian from Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King,” poem. Some separation beginning nutrient the upper board and spine. Fully intact still. Inscription to first blank endpaper dated September 18th 1889. Overall in fine condition.