Bristol: Printed for the Author, 1786. First Thus. Bound to style in modern calf with morocco and gilt to spine, measuring 172 x 100mm. Collating complete including frontis: [20], 172. A square, pleasing copy with archival restoration to upper margins of first eight leaves not affecting text; upper corners of pages 77-80 neatly excised with closed snags near the gutters of the same leaves, all with no loss to text. Contemporary manuscript corrections to page 132. Originally published in 1783 in Winchester under this title, here reappearing out of Bristol with significant new material and several other poems dropped from the original. Poems would reappear in its official Second Edition in 1789. The modern auction record documents no sale of any edition, and this is the earliest edition currently in trade.

In her early and married life, poet Jane Cave lived somewhat nomadically as she sought relief from chronic pain. Most often, she would take residence by the sea to engage in therapeutic sea-bathing, fresh air, and other remedies. What we know of Cave's experience come to us through her own writing, which describes "her agonizing pain, multiple treatments she has tried, and a frustration with the medical community that promises much but delivers little" (Pallimed). Across the course of her writing career, her verses reveal an evolution from hope to despair; they also give us insight into the places where she found joy, sought to grow as an individual, and considered her role within her family. Despite the medical community -- and society at large -- failing to understand or accommodate her disability, Cave does not dwell in despair or loneliness at all times. Her poetry also shares the experiences of gratification (as in To a Young Gentleman Who Presented the Author with a Commendation on her Singing); friendship (as in the case of On the Marriage of a Lady to Whom the Author was a Bridesmaid as well as Lines Composed Instantaneously, at the Request of a Company of Gay Ladies); and humor (as in On Profane Cursing and Swearing).

ESTC T42670. (Item #5412)