The Works of Samuel Johnson. In twelve volumes

Samuel Johnson; Arthur Murphy.

Published by Nichols and Son et al, London, 1816

About this Item

A complete set of this early nineteenth-century collection of Johnson's works, in fine bindings. New Edition. Volume I features an engraved portrait frontispiece. 'With an essay on his life and genius, by Arthur Murphy'. Complete in twelve volumes. With an index to the rear of Volume XII. 'An Essay on the Life and Genius of Samuel Johnson' was written by Arthur Murphy and first published in 1792. The work serves as a biography of Samuel Johnson and an introduction to his works included in the volume. Murphy first met Johnson during the summer of 1754. Murphy was working on the Gray's Inn Journal and, after discovering that a French article that they wanted to print was actually a translation of Johnson's Rambler No. 190, came to Johnson to apologize for his error. The two soon became friends, and Murphy began to tell the story many times later. After Johnson died and John Hawkins published his Life of Samuel Johnson, Arthur Murphy began to attack the work. He used a Monthly Review piece to criticize the legalistic language employed by Hawkins to claim 'that he is now rendered an incompetent critic thereby, and in consequence thereof". It was first published in 1792 as a prefix to a 12 volumes octavo edition that included Johnson's Works. This was done in a similar manner to Hawkins work, which was prefixed to an eleven volume edition. Murphy, at the beginning of his essay, claims, 'The proprietors of Johnson's Works thought [Hawkin's] life, which they prefixed to their former edition, too unwieldy for republication'. In full marbled calf bindings. Externally, generally smart, rubbed to the extremities. 14 spine labels missing, with the remainder chipped. Several joints cracked but firm. One board detached but present and one board held by the cords only. Volume XII has a crack down the spine. Internally, generally firmly bound although slightly strained in places. Some scattered light spotting and slight tidemarks to the first and last few pages. Copperplate ink signatures to the front pastedowns. Good Only. Seller Inventory # SET20-F-2

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Works of Samuel Johnson. In twelve ...

Publisher: Nichols and Son et al, London

Publication Date: 1816

Binding: Leather

Illustrator: Various

Condition: Good Only

Book Type: book