The Tragedies of Lord Byron: FIRST EDITION FIRST STATE 1821; Sardanapalus, Cain

The Tragedies of Lord Byron, including Sardanapalus, The Two Foscari, and Cain. All published in one volume in 1821 by John Murray. FIRST EDITION FIRST STATE.

A very nice binding indeed with intricate gilt detailing.

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Lord Byron was an English Romantic poet and playwright who wrote three tragedies in 1821: Sardanapalus, The Two Foscari, and Cain. All three were published together in one volume in their first edition format.

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Sardanapalus is a five act tragedy, first performed in 1831. It's based on the historical figure of the Assyrian king Sardanapalus, who was known for his decadence and ultimately chose to die in a pyre with his possessions rather than face defeat at the hands of his enemies. In the play, Byron portrays Sardanapalus as a sensitive and cultured man who is ultimately destroyed by his own excesses and the political machinations of his enemies.

The Two Foscari is also a five act tragedy first performed in the year of publication, 1821. It tells the story of the Venetian Doge, Francesco Foscari, and his son Jacopo who is accused of murder and eventually exiled from Venice. The play explores justice, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power.

Cain is a five act tragedy first performed in 1821 based on the biblical story of Cain and Abel. It explores the themes of jealousy, pride, and the nature of evil in a philosophical, and of course, a theological sense. Byron portrays Cain as a sympathetic figure who is driven to murder his brother by a sense of injustice and a desire for equality with God.

All three of these tragedies reflect Lord Byron's interest in the themes of power, corruption, and human nature. They are predominantly characterised by their vivid language, complex characters, and exploration of moral and philosophical questions.

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Condition: Very Good (VG-)

Boards VG+ to near fine with very light scuffs, but with attractive bright gilt with some wear to extremities. Wear to hinges and joints, cracked. Both boards are attached though somewhat fragile. Spine slightly dulled but generally quite bright with a nice tooled morocco label and gilt design in compartments. The book shows well on the shelf. Bound by "R. King", binders ticket to front pastedown. Text block generally very clean with minor sporadic foxing. Text collated as complete including half titles for each play, preface, notes, etc.

A very good copy of this first edition of Lord Byron's tragedies.