The Saint's Tragedy; Or, the True Story of Elizabeth of Hungary.
London: John W. Parker, West Strand, 1848.
8vo, [iv], 271 pp. with 8pp. ads at rear. Original blue-gray cloth, paper label on backstrip. A sharp, near fine copy with only slight toning to the backstrip, in a custom quarter red morocco box. Gift inscription on the half title "Ellen Burmester May 23rd 1853. With a sister's fond love".
§ First edition of Kingsley's first book. A life of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231), which grew from a prose account he had written and illustrated as a wedding present for his wife Fanny. The courtship had been long and full of debate as Fanny had been much tempted by a celibate life in an Anglican sisterhood. In this verse tragedy, Kingsley celebrates Saint Elizabeth, who was both conspicuously married, and a model of Franciscan humility, spirituality, and social justice. Wolff 3810. Item #126933
Price: $450.00