5RR Alfred Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate, London, 1884.
Notes
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892) was one of the most renowned English poets of the Victorian era. His works are characterized by rich language, lyrical beauty, and deep emotional and philosophical exploration. He became the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1850 until his death, and his poetry remains highly influential.
Tennyson’s personal life was filled with grief, and this deeply impacted his writing. One of his most famous poems, In Memoriam A.H.H. (1850), was written in memory of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam, who died suddenly. The poem is a meditation on death, grief, and the search for meaning in the face of loss. It is one of the greatest works of Victorian poetry, exploring the tension between faith and doubt and providing comfort to readers in times of sorrow.
Tennyson’s poetry also delves into the philosophical debates of the time, especially in regard to science, religion, and human purpose. Works like "Ulysses" (1833) explore the quest for meaning and purpose in life, with Ulysses famously declaring that he will seek adventure and knowledge until the end of his days. This reflects Tennyson’s own sense of striving for fulfillment and purpose.
Tennyson's poetry was widely admired in his lifetime and continues to be celebrated today for its emotional depth, lyrical beauty, and exploration of human experience. His influence on English poetry is immense, with many later poets, including the Pre-Raphaelites, being inspired by his work. His ability to blend the personal with the universal, and his exploration of Victorian concerns such as the role of science and faith in society, make his works continue to resonate with readers.
Description
White covered hard back boards with gilt boarder on the upper and lower boards. Gilt embossed turn ins and lettering on the spine in second and third compartments. Gilt embossed designs in each of the other compartments, a dove with an olive branch in the first, a flower in the fourth, lyre in the fifth, and torch with a bow and two arrows in the sixth of each volume. Gilt top edge. Flawless condition.
