ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING "SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE" 1970-80's

Published by DoubleDay Company and Inc 1970-1986

A reproduction of the classic 1850 collection of 44 love poems written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning for her husband Robert Browning. It contains (in my opinion and many others would agree) one the finest lines ever written by any human. And goes like this:

“ How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and Ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of everyday's Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight. I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seem to lose With my lost saints-I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life!-and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.”

The DoubleDay edition was published in 1954 with colored illustrations by Adolf Hallman. This copy is a reissue of the DoubleDay edition that was most likely printed between 1970-1986. The indicators for the assumed published dates are; Dust jacket has an ISBN number which publishers started using in 1970, the lack of printed barcode which books only began using in the mid 80’s, and lastly, 1986 was the last year the publisher was called Doubleday and Company.

Included is a gift inscription that reads “To Michele, rosemary - there's rosemary for remembrance. Pray yool remember me, - Henry”

Format: Hardcover

Condition: Exceptional. Shows wear with flaws, but otherwise in very good condition, with similar dust jacket.