[BLAKE, William (1757-1827), illustrator]. -- BLAIR, Robert (1699-1746). The Grave. A Poem. London: T. Bensley for R.H. Cromek, 1808.

Large 4to (337 x 267 mm). Frontispiece portrait of Blake after T. Phillips, 12 copper engraved plates including engraved title after Blake drawings engraved by Schiavonetti; with subscriber's list and 4pp. prospectus. (Mild marginal spotting to plates, engraved title slightly shaved at upper margin partially affecting plate.) Modern half morocco, gilt edges; cloth slipcase.

FIRST EDITION, second issue with the watermark “Whatman & Co. 1808”. These designs by Blake are considered his best-known work and his “most forcible and poetical thinking on the subject of death”. Bentley 435B; Keynes 81; Lowndes I:215.

Property from the Collection of Dr. K. William Harter, Alexandria, Virginia