Scottish binding.- Ramsay (Allan) Poems, 2 vol. in 1, first editions, engraved portrait frontispiece to vol. 1, list of subscribers, ex-library copy with ink stamp on title, lacks advertisement leaf at end of vol. I and several ff. of index at end, vol. I K2, 2M2 and vol. II T2, X2, 2O1-4 all torn with loss, extensively foxed and browned, numerous ink marks, ink name of "Allan Ramsay" on title and inscriptions on verso, engraved bookplate of John Scott of Harden (a descendant of Mary Scott, the Flower of Yarrow and the subject of a poem by Ramsay), on front pastedown, 18th century calf with central onlay panel with gilt oval swag, key and floral borders and thistle decoration in corners, by James and William Scott binders of Edinburgh, rubbed, some surface wear affecting gilt, corners and edges repaired, rebacked in modern calf, gilt, 4to, Edinburgh, by Thomas Ruddiman, for the Author, 1721-1728.

⁂ A fascinating copy with intriguing history. As well as their great-grandmother Mary (the subject of one of Ramsay's poems), the Scotts of Harden also had a daughter, Mary Lilias Scott, who Sir Walter Scott and others also considered to be another 'Flower of Yarrow'. Furthermore Allan Ramsay's son (also confusingly called Allan) courted and painted this Mary. At some point in the late 18th century this copy of the Poems was considered of such significance that it was sent to the finest Edinburgh binders of the day (James and William Scott) to create this opulent example of their work. It is unclear whether the name on the title, now quite faded, is in the hand of the poet, his son or another unknown person. On the title verso is a fragment of verse from the later Ramsay Tea Table Miscellany, which varies slightly from the published version. This curious copy was subsequently in the collection of Valentine Mann (late 19th century), who bequeathed it to the museum he established, The Valentine, from where it was de-accessed recently by auction.