1870 First Edition - Legend of King Arthur, The Holy Grail by Alfred Tennyson

Author: Alfred Tennyson.
Title: The Holy Grail and Other Poems.
Publisher: London, Strahan and Co., 1870. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7" X 4.5".
Pages: 222 pages + publisher's advertisements.
Binding: Near fine original publisher's green cloth binding with gilt lettering to the spine. An unusually well-preserved example with untrimmed page edges. Light wear only. Under a protective, removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content. Pages remain clean and sound with light occasional foxing and a few minor marks. Contemporary gift inscription on the half-title page dated December 25, 1869. The text block is tight and well-preserved.

Estimate: (USD $200–300).

The book: The Holy Grail and Other Poems is one of the most important collections published by Alfred Tennyson during the height of his career as Poet Laureate of England. First issued in 1870, the volume represents a major milestone in the development of his celebrated Arthurian cycle, Idylls of the King. Begun in 1859, Tennyson's ambitious retelling of the legends of King Arthur originally consisted of four poems: Enid, Vivien, Elaine, and Guinevere. This collection introduced four major new additions to the cycle: The Coming of Arthur, The Holy Grail, Pelleas and Ettarre, and The Passing of Arthur. Together with seven additional poems, the volume significantly expanded the scope of what would eventually become one of the defining literary achievements of the Victorian age.

Drawing upon medieval romance, Christian symbolism, and the enduring appeal of Arthurian legend, these poems explore themes of faith, duty, heroism, temptation, and the pursuit of idealism. The Holy Grail in particular stands among Tennyson's most profound spiritual works, reflecting the Victorian fascination with chivalry and moral aspiration. Particularly appealing is the contemporary gift inscription dated Christmas Day 1869, providing a tangible connection to one of the book's earliest owners and placing it directly within the period of publication. First editions of this important collection remain highly desirable among collectors of Victorian literature, Arthurian studies, and the works of Alfred Tennyson.

The author: Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892) was one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era and served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1850 until his death. His works, including In Memoriam A.H.H., The Charge of the Light Brigade, and Idylls of the King, captured the spirit, anxieties, and ideals of nineteenth-century Britain. Elevated to the peerage in 1884 as Baron Tennyson, he became the first British poet to receive such an honor. His influence on English literature remains profound, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the English language.