1752 SIR PHILIP SIDNEY. The Defense of Poesy. Rare Second Edition from the 1595 First Edition.

A very finely preserved example of the second separate edition of Sir Philip Sidney's [1554-1586] influential "Defense of Poesy." The first edition, 1595, is the first English language articulation and defense of the value of poetry as contrasted with philosophy and theology. He argues that while philosophy, theology, and the sciences may inform, it belongs to poetry to inflame the heart, building heat that leads to movement and motion; thus, poetry is of greater importance to humanity than any of the traditional domains of knowledge. 

Sidney's work finds direct, textual and articulate influence in the works of everyone from John Donne to Wordsworth and Shelley. 

Sidney, Sir Philip [Knight]. The Defense of Poesy. Glasgow. Printed by R. Urie. MDCCLII [1752]. Second separate edition; first Scottish edition. 106pp.

Exceptionally crisp text, perhaps unread with strong, crisp edges, very slightest of handling and toning. Exceptional. Very attractive recent finest quality full calf binding with appropriate simple gold tooling, raised bands, and contrasting morocco labels. 

Currently, a copy on the market at $1,850.00