1856 - “The Complaint; Or Night Thoughts”

Here are some key aspects of the poem:

1. Structure: "The Complaint" is divided into nine sections, or "nights," each dealing with different aspects of human existence and mortality. 

2. Themes: The poem addresses a range of themes, including the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of death, the uncertainty of the afterlife, and the human longing for immortality. It delves into the idea that life is full of suffering and challenges, and Young contemplates how individuals cope with these challenges.

3. Emotional Tone: The poem is known for its melancholic and somber tone. It often expresses the author's personal grief and sorrow over the loss of loved ones and the transitory nature of life. It also reflects the broader cultural attitudes of the time, which were influenced by the growing awareness of mortality in the wake of significant societal changes.

4. Influence: "The Complaint" was widely read and appreciated during the 18th century and had a significant impact on English literature. It contributed to the development of the "graveyard school" of poetry, which explored themes of mortality, death, and the afterlife. Young's work also influenced later Romantic poets such as William Blake and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

5. Literary Style: Edward Young's writing in "The Complaint" is characterized by its vivid imagery and use of metaphor. The poem often employs elaborate and dramatic language to convey its themes, making it a work of both emotional and intellectual depth.

6. Legacy: While Young's poetry has somewhat fallen out of favor in modern times, "The Complaint" remains an important work in the history of English literature. It is a reflection of the Enlightenment era's fascination with reason and philosophy, as well as its exploration of the human condition.

Overall, "The Complaint; or Night-Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality" by Edward Young is a significant work of 18th-century English literature that engages with profound existential questions and continues to be studied for its philosophical and literary merit.

Golden brown cloth with illustrated gilt detail to both boards and spine, gilt to all page edges, binding tight, engraving/frontispiece with tissue guard, decorative title page, decorative leaf/floral black and white drawing/detail to each page, 326pp.

Very good condition!

Rare Book; Unable to locate any other available at this time.

Size: 4 1/4” X 5 7/8”