[Badnall, Richard] Zelinda; A Persian Tale

London: Whittaker, Treacher & Co., 1830.

First edition. Bound in full contemporary wavy grain calf with bold gilt vine and blossom pattern on both covers and spine, beautiful crimson wavy silk endsheets. Inscribed by the author to his son, William Badnall. A fascinating and vanishingly scarce book of poetry by Richard Badnall, silk, ribbon and button tycoon of the early 1800's in Leek, Staffordshire and a man whose riches to rags story could make an entertaining if not sad novel. Through bad investments, he lost his fortune and nearly landed in debtor's prison. Somehow, during this time he seemed to be able to write poetry, and this volume was received with some praise, though acclaim never landed Badnall reputation, much less remuneration from his writings. He also wrote a treatise on Silk Trade (1828), a book on politics (183) and another on Railroad Improvement (1833), all exceedingly rare. Besides our copy of Zelinda, no copies of any of these books were found at the time of research. Laid in is a handwritten memo from the Society of Geneaogist of London, from Howard H. Cotterell, explaining some details of Badnall's lineage and also citing some of his works mentioned here. Bookplate of Russell Markland. Some rubbing to calf, near fine internally.

Price: $1,500.00   Item #1332