Inscribed by the author, 1889 First Edition. 8vo pp 126, [1] [32p catalogue dated1888] Black cloth gilt title to spine. Slight wear to top of front board, two faint cup rings to front cover, otherwise very good. Stock Ref: 253 Interesting signed inscription to front endpaper, see illustration. “in glorious remembrance of the many battles we have fought shoulder to shoulder for the World’s advancement from the author John Bedford Leno” “Mr. Leno is, beyond all question, the poet of the poor. His language consists of the choicest Saxon, and his thoughts are the every day thoughts of the great mass of his countrymen, sublimated by a rich and vigorous fancy. He is the very antithesis of the modern poet, and as such, objects to the use of all glitter and tinsel. What Ebeneezer Elliott was to the principles of Free Trade in Corn, John Bedford Leno is to the more enduring theme of Labour – Equally strong, plain, and uncompromising” – Woolwich Gazette, 18 January 1868 John Bedford Leno (1826 – 1894) was a Chartist, radical, poet, and printer who acted as a “bridge” between Chartism and early Labour movements, as well as between the working and ruling classes. He campaigned to give the vote to all common men and women, driven by a strong desire for “justice and freedom for all mankind”. Wikipedia