[Byron, George Gordon Noel, Lord]

4to (10 3/4 x 8 3/8 in.; 273 x 213 mm).  Latin quotation neatly inscribed in ink on the title, "Stanhope" neatly penciled in margin of page 21 as identification for a word of elided text, lacking final leaf with printer's imprint, light offsetting. Olive brown gilt morocco by MacDonald; some rubbing.

Chauncey Brewster Tinker (bookplate) — George D. Smith (sold Anderson, 24 May 1920, lot 331) — Roderick Terry (bookplate; sold American Art Association/Anderson, 2 May 1934, lot 36) — Gabriel Wells (sold Parke-Bernet, 11 November 1951, lot 72) — H. Bradley Martin (bookplate; sold Sotheby's New York, 30 April 1990, lot 2689)

Randolph 117; Tinker 529; Wise I, pp. 69-70

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of a very rare Byron piece , privately printed, partly on "J. Whatman 1810" paper, partly on "John Hall 1805."

The Curse of Minerva is Byron's satire expressing his disapproval of the removal of the Elgin Marbles from the Acropolis in Athens to Britain. He had not intended to publish the poem, but a copy was taken from him and printed privately against his wishes.