Hours of Idleness, a Series of Poems, Original and Translated

Newark: S. and J. Ridge, 1807. First edition, first issue. [xiv], 187 pp. 1 vols. 8vo (7 x 4.5 in.). Contemporary red straight-grained morocco, a.e.g. Front hinge tender starting, front free endpaper removed, else fine. First edition, first issue. [xiv], 187 pp. 1 vols. 8vo (7 x 4.5 in.). Byron's first regularly published book, following the privately printed Fugitive Pieces and Poems on Various Occasions. Inscribed on a front flyleaf by the recipient: "The gift of Lord Byron, James Wynne De Bathe. September 1807. London." De Bathe (1792-1828) attended Harrow with Byron and was included in the circle of his closest friends: "Clare, Dorset, Charles Gordon, De Bathe, Claridge, and John Wingfield, were my juniors and favourites, whom I spoilt by indulgence" (Life, p. 21). Byron's affection for his schoolmates is celebrated in "Childish Recollections," printed here at page 148. In a letter of 2 February 1808, Byron writes to De Bathe to reminisce about Harrow and announce his upcoming tour of Greece and Turkey, extending a playful invitation to his friend: "What say you? are you disposed for a view of the Peloponnesus and a voyage through the Archipelago?" We trace only one other association copy of Hours of Idleness — a copy inscribed to Edward Noel Long was sold by Sotheby's in 1976. Wise Byron, I, pp. 7-8; Hayward 218; Randolph, p. 9. Provenance: James Wynne de Bathe (inscription noting presentation from Byron); Henry P. de Bathe (bookplate)