Abaddon, the Spirit of Destruction and other poems

Fairfield, Sumner L. Abaddon, the Spirit of Destruction and other poems. New York: Sleight and Robinson, 1830. First edition. 8vo. 157 + 1 pp. Green covered boards with cloth spine. The author, Sumner Lincoln Fairfield (1803 – 1844) was an American poet born who, according to his own wife, had a very sensitive and melancholy as she stated: “His nature was haughty, unbending, and reserved; he could not brook personal or newspaper attacks. I have seen him writhe under mental pain even upon a criticism of a poem.” (The Autobiography of Jane Fairfield; Embracing a Few Select Poems by Sumner Lincoln Fairfield, p. 54) Staining and age wear to boards and spine. Foxing and browning to endpapers due to age. Ex library copy with a number of stamps, but no bookplate. Foxing throughout, but text is pristine and clear. Book is in overall good condition. g. Hardcover.

The first word of the title, Abaddon, is a word for either the Devil or Hell used in the Book of Revelations, 9:11. The modern word, meaning “destruction” has its roots in the Middle ages from the Greek and Hebrew, its more common use for hell became widespread during the 17th century. This work is a collection of long poems, whose theme is man’s affinity towards cruelty and bigotry throughout history. (19571) $65