“Manfred: A Tragedy” by Lord Byron 1929 Signed & Illustrated by Frederick Carter #25/30 copies bound in full vellum

  Frederick Carter (1885-1967) was an English artist and associate of the Royal Society of Etchers and Engravers. Fascinated by astrology and the occult, Carter became known as a mystic symbolist artist and befriended the likes of Aleister Crowley. Carter worked closely with the occultist Austin Osman Spare, producing illustrations for his journal, “Form” under the pseudonym “Francis Marsden.” Carter’s works are becoming more scarce and sought after.

“Manfred: A Tragedy” is a metaphysical drama by Lord George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron, FRS. Manfred is tortured by a mysterious guilt, which has to do with the death of his most beloved, Astarte. He uses his mastery of language and spell-casting to summon seven spirits, from whom he seeks forgetfulness. The drama contains a Faustian element, bargaining with spirits to cope with his broken heart.

Byron wrote “Manfred” after his marriage ended in scandal amidst an affair between Byron and his half-sister, Augusta Leigh. Attacked by the press and ostracized by London society, Byron fled England for Switzerland in 1816 and never returned. Because Manfred was written immediately after this and because Manfred regards a main character tortured by his own sense of guilt for an unmentionable offense, some critics consider Manfred to be autobiographical, or even confessional. The unnamed but forbidden nature of Manfred’s relationship to Astarte is believed to represent Byron’s relationship with his half-sister, Augusta.

Good Condition. Some soiling to cover, most noticeably on the top and base of the spine where mild splitting is also present. Cover and pages bowed. Gilt on spine is rubbed off, and some gilt edges have worn. Otherwise an excellent copy of a finely bound and rare work.