The Life of Samuel Johnson, Together with the Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides. New Editions with Notes and Appendices by Alexander Napier [together with] -- Johnsoniana: Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson by Mrs Piozzi, Richard Cumberland, Bishop Percy and Others, Together with The Diary of Dr. Campbell and Extracts from that of Madame D'Arblay Newly Collected and Edited by Robina Napier.

BOSWELL, James.

Published by London: George Bell and Sons, 1884

About this Item

The unique "Monograph Copy", extra-illustrated with numerous additional plates and an extensive collection of autograph material, including autograph letters signed by both Boswell and Johnson. The remaining items derive from an illustrious group of figures within the Johnsonian milieu, many of whom feature in Boswell's narratives. This fine set offers a window onto the world Johnson inhabited. Johnson's letter is dated 29 July 1779. He notifies his physician Dr Lawrence that he has been detained in the country and must postpone their meeting. Boswell's, which is undated, proposes a day to "eat mutton" with Henry Sampson Woodfall (1739-1805), editor and printer of the Public Advertiser, which published Boswell's work. These are tipped into the front of volume I alongside two other autograph items. The remaining volumes likewise contain autograph material from different individuals tipped into their fronts, together with illuminated plates noting that the Société des Bibliophiles of New York specially bound and extra-illustrated the set. Correspondence from those with whom Johnson was personally, and often closely, acquainted includes social and professional letters from figures such as Hannah More (1745-1833), Richard Cumberland (1732-1811), Joseph Warton (1722-1800), and Samuel Parr (1747-1825). There is also a legal document signed by Johnson's defender, Lord Thurlow (1731-1806). The collection also includes a receipt signed by John Horne Tooke (1736-1812) for a volume of his Diversions of Purley (1786), a philological work that publicly rivalled Johnson's Dictionary. This copy is number 39 of 104 sets. A full inventory of the autograph material is available on request. 15 vols, large octavo (237 x 162 mm). Engraved frontispieces, many plates with tissue guards. Contemporary brown-green morocco, spines lettered in gilt, compartments elaborately decorated with foliate design, boards panelled in elaborate gilt, light brown morocco onlay roundels, gilt inner dentelles, red morocco doublures with gilt fillets and green morocco onlay frame with gilt roll, cream moiré silk flyleaves, edges gilt, white bookmarkers. Paper repair to autograph material. Spines uniformly sunned, else a fine set.

Seller Inventory # 192130

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Life of Samuel Johnson, Together with the Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides. New Editions with Notes and Appendices by Alexander Napier [together with] -- Johnsoniana: Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson by Mrs Piozzi, Richard Cumberland, Bishop Percy and Others, Together with The Diary of Dr. Campbell and Extracts from that of Madame D'Arblay Newly Collected and Edited by Robina Napier.
• Publisher: London: George Bell and Sons, 1884