William Wordsworth (1770–1850) was a poet and leader of the Romantic movement along with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. He is best known for the early Romantic poems published in Lyrical Ballads, and his long, semi-autobiographical poem The Prelude.

Wordsworth was offered the poet laureateship late in his life, after the death of his friend and neighbour Robert Southey in 1843. Initially he demurred, and was only persuaded to accept the position when it was made clear to him that there would be no writing requirements. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were both admirers of Wordsworth and were very keen to have him as laureate.

This fine presentation copy of Wordsworth's Poems is bound in green goatskin with an elaborate gilt pattern including a Royal crown on the boards. On the publication of this new edition of his poetry in 1845, Wordsworth was requested to send a copy to Queen Victoria. Wordsworth asked Edward Moxon, the publisher, to send a copy in sheets to the binder Westley, 'with the best impression of the Print and Title Page you can select'. The poet added a dedicatory poem in his own hand on the flyleaves. The Queen was greatly pleased with her gift, and Wordsworth received a letter from the Lord Chamberlain conveying the Queen's thanks and admiration for the manuscript verses.

Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010.