1 8

The Task, A Poem

The Task, A Poem

$29.99 USD
$29.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Condition: Good

Book Notes: Cover shows moderate shelf wear. Pages are in over all good shape containing foxing. Binding is tight.

Author(s): William Cowper
Edition: Boston School Edition

Publication year: 1845

Binding: Hardcover

Language: English

Publisher: Boston: Phillips & Sampson

ISBN:
The poem famously originated from a playful challenge by Cowper’s friend, Lady Austen, who urged him to write a blank-verse poem using a sofa as his starting subject. Composed of roughly 5,000 lines divided into six distinct books (The Sofa, The Timepiece, The Garden, The Winter Evening, The Winter Morning Walk, and The Winter Walk at Noon), the work quickly expands from its humorous beginning into a sprawling meditation on the human condition.
Cowper heavily contrasts the corruption, superficiality, and hectic nature of urban city life against the peace, mental clarity, and spiritual fulfillment found in rural seclusion. Throughout his fluid, conversational verses, he champions the simple Christian virtues of a contemplative life, treats nature as a mirror of divine creation, and delivers sharp social critiques. The poem includes impassioned arguments condemning slavery, blood sports, military corruption, and the moral complacency of the era's clergy. Mid-19th-century American printings by publishers like Phillips & Sampson helped cement Cowper's legacy in the United States as a primary precursor to the Romantic literary movement.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight of the item and the delivery location. We ship via Media Mail or Ground Advantage through USPS.

Shop with Confidence!
We stand by the quality of our books. If for any reason you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, we offer a 100% full refund along with free return shipping.

View full details

Book Condition Scale

  • Like New

    This book is in excellent condition and appears to have been read only once. The pages are clean and unmarked, with no creases or stains. The binding remains firm and tight. There may be minimal signs of shelf wear on the cover or dust jacket, but overall, the book looks and feels nearly new.

  • Very Good

    This book has been read but remains in great condition. It does not look new, yet there is no obvious damage to the cover. Wear and tear are minimal. The pages are clean, free of highlighting or notes, though it may contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Good

    This book shows moderate to heavy signs of wear that can include creases, stains or tears. The cover may have minimal damage, and the binding remains intact with slight wear. The majority of pages are undamaged, though there may be some highlighting, underlining, or notes. It may also contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Acceptable

    This book shows significant wear, which may include tears, large stains, creases, loose pages, and heavy notes, underlining, or highlighting. The binding may be loose but remains intact. While it has noticeable imperfections, it is still a complete and readable copy. Any major defects will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • As Described

    This book is visibly worn and may be heavily soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted. It may have loose joints, hinges, or pages, and some text or pages may be missing. Large tears and other significant defects may be present. While still a readable copy, it shows substantial signs of use. Any major flaws will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • Dust Jacket Grading

    (A) Excellent
    The dust jacket is in excellent condition, may show the slightest signs of shelf wear, if any.

    (B) Good
    Shows minor shelf wear, usually along edges and may have a few light stains.

    (C) Fair
    Displays moderate shelf wear, including some noticeable small tears, creasing and/or stains.

    (D) Poor
    Contains large tears, several creases, and/or heavy staining.

    (F) As Is
    Shows significant wear and tear. Majority of dust jacket is torn or missing. May contain heavy staining.