Antique Poetry Books & Plays

Explore antique and vintage poetry books and plays at JWB Books, from classic poets and playwrights to rare anthologies and first editions. Our Classic Literature collection covers novels and prose.

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Antique Poetry Books & Plays, From Classic Poets to Rare Anthologies

“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.”

— William Wordsworth

Many of these poetry books were printed in matching sets, bound uniformly so a reader's shelf of "Poetical Works" looked as tidy as an encyclopaedia set, even though each volume inside held a completely different poet's life's work.

Alongside these you'll find complete works of Wordsworth, Milton, Shelley and Keats, First World War poetry anthologies, and a strong run of Scottish poetry including William McGonagall, Sir Walter Scott and several 19th-century Scottish ballad collections. Playwrights are represented too, from Sean O'Casey's Irish drama to anthologies collecting several plays in one volume. Shakespeare, Tennyson, Robert Burns, T.S. Eliot and Oscar Wilde each have their own dedicated collection if you're looking for one writer in particular.

Every book is described and photographed individually, so you can see the binding, the pages and any handwritten notes before you buy. New titles come in with each collection we take on, so it's worth checking back if you don't see a particular poet or playwright today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of poetry and plays do you stock?

We stock a wide range of poetry and plays, including Wordsworth, Milton, Scottish poetry, First World War anthologies and play collections.

Do you have books by a particular poet or playwright, like Shakespeare or Robert Burns?

Yes, several have their own dedicated collections, including Shakespeare, Tennyson, Robert Burns, T.S. Eliot and Oscar Wilde. Have a look there if you're after a particular writer.

How do you describe the condition of these books?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and wear before you buy. Condition varies from book to book, and anything worth knowing is noted in the listing.

Would a poetry book make a good gift?

Yes, a well-chosen poetry book is a gift with real personality. Our Music, Poetry & Plays Book Gifts collection has ideas already picked out.

Do you have Scottish poetry?

Yes, Scottish poets and ballad collections turn up often in this collection. For Scottish subjects beyond poetry, our Scottish Books collection is worth a look too.

Do you have first or limited edition poetry books?

Some of our poetry collection is early or limited edition. Our First Edition Books collection is a good place to start if that's specifically what you're after, and any book's edition is noted in its own listing.

What age are the books in this collection?

Most range from the 18th century through to poetry published in the mid-20th century. Each listing gives the actual publication date.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, within the UK and internationally, and UK orders over £50 come with free delivery.

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