RAB

12mo, 32 pp. In original pink printed wraps. Text clear and complete. A fair, tight copy, on lightly-aged paper, in worn and chipped wraps. Taking as his text a well-known anecdote about the painter Opie, Brown discusses the nature of 'genius' (in something approaching the modern sense of the word). The final page carries a list of 'Books referred to.' Uncommon in any edition: the only copies of this edition on COPAC are at Edinburgh and St Andrews.

Scottish essayist (1810-82). Two pages, 12mo. With mourning border. Good, but on discoloured paper, and with some glue staining to blank second leaf of bifoliate. Concerns the work for which Brown is remembered, 'Rab and his friends' (1859). If he is ever at Crewe he will 'certainly avail myself of Mrs. Blunt's & your very gratifying invitation. His wife is 'more delighted, I think, with your letter about "Rab" than by any other - & she has kept it - being like all good wives greedy of her husband's praise.' Signed 'J. Brown'.