“Hours of Idleness” by Lord Byron (George Gordon Noel Byron), 1807, first edition second issue, with early 20th century jewelled Cosway-style binding by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, the interior containing miniature portraits of Lord Byron and his ancestral home, Newstead Abbey. Original silk and velvet lined leather bound case. Hours of Idleness was the first volume of poetry published by Byron at the age of 19, which launched his literary career. This book contains properties associated with the second issue (Page 114 line 4 “thunder”; Page 22, line 2 “those tissues of falsehood..”). 8vo., 187 pp., printed by S. & J. Ridge, Newark, England. The binding, likely made not long after the foundation of the famed Sangorski (Sangorsky) and Sutcliffe bookbinding business in 1901, is of full dark blue French Levant morocco, with fly leaves of brown watered silk and gilt edges. The front cover features applied jewels including 1 central marquis garnet, 8 green chalcedonies, 14 turquoises, and 16 round garnets. The design on both front and back features interlaced strapwork, dividing the cover into Gothic style panels filled with red, green and gilt floral decorations. The front doublure is inlaid with a hand painted miniature watercolor on ivory portrait of Byron, surrounded by a laurel wreath inset with 4 green chalcedonies and 4 topazes. The back doublure is inlaid with a miniature watercolor on ivory painting of Newstead Abbey. Book: 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″. Provenance: Estate of Robert Keith, Brentwood, TN, listed Dawson’s Book Shop catalog in 1944, full provenance details available on request. Condition: Binding excellent. Book pages show light toning and minor foxing, overall very good condition. Case in fair condition with exterior wear and some small tears to silk.