Boswell, James

The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. [bound with] The Principle Corrections and Additions; Comprehending an Account of his Studies and Numerous Works, in Chronological Order ... for Nearly Half a Century, during which He Flourished

London: Printed by Henry Baldwin, for Charles Dilly, in the Poultry, 1791; 1793. First edition. Hardcover. 2 vol. 4to. [3], iv-xii, [17], 2-516; [3], 2-588 [586], [4], 2-42 pp. Contemporary calf with the spines in six compartments, recent black morocco labels lettered in gilt on the spines, gilt decorations and stamping on the spines. Volume one illustrated with a frontispiece portrait of Johnson (a stipple-engraving by James Heath), volume two with two plates (the "Round Robin" plate and the facsimile of Johnson's handwriting). Completing the title page: "[with a] Series of His Epistolary Correspondence and Conversations with Many Eminent Persons; and Various Original Pieces of His Composition, Never Before Published. The Whole Exhibiting a View of Literature and Literary Men in Great-Britain, for Near Half a Century, During which He Flourished". Grolier Club, 100 Famous Books in English Literature, 65. Oxford DNB, Gordon Turnbull "Boswell, James (1740–1795)". Pottle 79. Rothschild 463. Our copy has the second state point in volume one, with the word "give" spelled correctly on page 135. A contemporary bookplate on each front pastedown. Boswell's historical and literary magnum opus: arguably the most famous biography in English literature. Many have praised Boswell for his reconstruction of the larger-than-life character of Samuel Johnson. Johnson's personality shines through the letters and journal entries included in these volumes. Samuel Johnson of course is best-remembered for his revised English Dictionary, done after Nathan Bailey's first pass at an English-language dictionary. Johnson's dictionary stands out as one of wit, full of pithy entries, reflective of his life experience and skilfull command of the English language. A handsome set of Boswell's story of Samuel Johnson, a work that has been celebrated throughout the ages as a turning-point in biography, remembrance, and as a revolution in the characterization of a historical person. Very Good. Item #000012718

Recently and sympathetically rebacked, a few corners subtly renewed. Each title page and the final plate has a neat and tidy repair.

Price: $4,000.00