The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Comprehending an Account of His Studies and Numerous Works
London: Printed by Henry Baldwin, for Charles Dilly, 1791. 2 volumes. 4to (280 x 235 mm). Engraved portrait of Johnson by James Heath after Sir Joshua Reynolds 2 engraved facsimile plates by H. Shepherd. Contemporary calf, raised bands, green and red leather spine labels, wide margins. Condition : rebacked, corners restored, lightly rubbed covers, text bright and clean. Provenance : H. Jermyn (bookplate). first edition, first issue reading “gve” on page 135, line 10 of volume I. (volume I) E3, Oo4, Qq3, Zz1, and Eee2 (volume II) Mm4 and Nn1 are cancels. This biography was published in a small edition of only about 1700 copies. “Homer is not the more decidedly the first of heroic epics, Shakespeare is not more decidedly the first of the dramatists, Demosthenes is not more sensibly the first of the orators, that Boswell is the first of the biographers.” (Macaulay). Boswell dedicated years to the study of Johnson’s life and through his biography skyrocketed Johnson’s reputation from that of an important figure in English Literature, to a true household name. Since its release in 1791 it has not gone out of print.
The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Comprehending an Account of His Studies and Numerous Works
London: Printed by Henry Baldwin, for Charles Dilly, 1791. 2 volumes. 4to (280 x 235 mm). Engraved portrait of Johnson by James Heath after Sir Joshua Reynolds 2 engraved facsimile plates by H. Shepherd. Contemporary calf, raised bands, green and red leather spine labels, wide margins. Condition : rebacked, corners restored, lightly rubbed covers, text bright and clean. Provenance : H. Jermyn (bookplate). first edition, first issue reading “gve” on page 135, line 10 of volume I. (volume I) E3, Oo4, Qq3, Zz1, and Eee2 (volume II) Mm4 and Nn1 are cancels. This biography was published in a small edition of only about 1700 copies. “Homer is not the more decidedly the first of heroic epics, Shakespeare is not more decidedly the first of the dramatists, Demosthenes is not more sensibly the first of the orators, that Boswell is the first of the biographers.” (Macaulay). Boswell dedicated years to the study of Johnson’s life and through his biography skyrocketed Johnson’s reputation from that of an important figure in English Literature, to a true household name. Since its release in 1791 it has not gone out of print.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
