TRENCH, Melesina.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Campaspe, an Historical Tale, and Other Poems; [together with] -- Ellen, a Ballad, Founded on a Recent Fact, and Other Poems. First editions, presentation copies owned by George Welbore Ellis (1797–1833), with annotations to the text in the author's hand. Ellis was the nephew of Trench's close friend, Anne Emilia "Emily" Agar (1765-1821). Ellis's armorial bookplate bears a manuscript inscription in his hand, stating "From the authoress". Trench (1768-1827) "wrote neither for an audience nor fame" (DIB), but her poetry was admired by contemporary Bluestocking writers. Several poems within Campaspe and Ellen examine issues facing women, especially female disempowerment. "Campaspe" concerns the apocryphal mistress of Alexander the Great, whom he is said to have given away to a friend. "Ellen" is based on a contemporary news story of a woman who was the victim of a predatory seducer. Marriage and maternal loss are also recurring topics. Trench's perspective is captured adroitly in the lines "Man may his destiny create / Woman is the slave of Fate" (Ellen, p. 40).Ellis likely received the works from Trench before his marriage in 1822, as his bookplate does not include the arms of his wife, Georgiana Howard. In 1818, the author and Emily Agar exchanged letters about a "Mr Ellis" (Trench, p. 392-3). who was overwhelmed by his studies. As Ellis was studying for his master's degree in 1818, he was perhaps the subject of their discussions.We have traced Campaspe in 12 institutional lib

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.