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292, (1) pp. with 4 engraved plates at the front. (8vo) period full black morocco with simple gilt decorated panels of ornaments on the covers, spine ruled and lettered in gilt. First Edition.

Famous example of a publication for charity. Several copies were bound for presentation in an elaborate fashion, with individual presentation gilt stamps on the covers (See Mirjam Foot, "The Charity School Binder," The Book Collector, Spring, 1983). William Blake (not the poet) was the founder and keeper of the Ladies Charity School, a boarding house school for homeless or destitute children which was entirely dependent on charitable contributions. Here Blake thanks his patrons and appeals to other ladies for charity. The second part of the text, Silver Drops, or Serious Things, is a treatise by Blake on charity. Wing B-3152.