8vo. xii, 416pp, [8]. Text in red and black, decorative initials in red and blue, decorative borders in blue and gilt. Engraved vignette of Alnwick Castle on dedication page. With a list of subscribers. Contemporary red morocco, richly tooled in gilt, black morocco onlay to upper board, A.E.G. Lightly rubbed. Internally clean and crisp.

Robert Story (1795-1860), 'The Craven poet', was the son of a Northumberland agricultural labourer and himself variously employed as schoolmaster and civil servant in the administration of Robert Peel, perhaps after his 'The Isles are Awake', contained within this volume, expressed poetic support for the Conservatives.

This lavishly produced collection, the final published in Story's lifetime, is dedicated to the Duke of Northumberland. The list of subscribers is a testament to the author's popularity in his native county, containing a preponderance of Northumberland residents, notably textile manufacturer and politician, Sir Titus Salt (1803-1876).