Robert Southey (1774?1843) was a poet, critic, historian and reviewer. As a young man he attempted to pursue careers in the church, medicine and law before being able to make a living through writing. He was a close friend of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth and shared their radical social views and living near both in Grasmere in the Lake District. He was appointed poet laureate in 1813 and took the post seriously, writing politically charged poems, as well as the typical odes.

His first New Year's poem as Poet Laureate was in praise of British victories in the Peninsular War, and the inspirational leadership of Lord Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington). It would have been a welcome presentation at Carlton House, pandering to the Regent's tastes for both literature and militaria.

Binding information

Presentation volume bound for George IV as Prince Regent, in boarded red goatskin with gold and blind tooling, with Prince of Wales feathers and motto to centre within foliate and fillet lozenges. Gold panel frame, with blind tooling of palmette roll design. Outside border of two triple gilt fillet lines, with floral filigree volutes and blind tooling of Prince of Wales feathers inside ovals. In corners, gold tooled Prince of Wales feathers with floral volutes around. Spine divided into six compartments, with lettering to second and fifth, others with heart volute design. All edges gilt. Doublures of navy silk, tooled with heart volute design and Prince of Wales feathers to border, interior design a foliate roll tool with Prince of Wales feathers to corners