The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D.; Comprehending An Account Of His Studies and Numerous Works, In Chronological Order:
London: George Bell & Sons, 1892. First Edition. Three quarter light brown calf with matching marbled papers and marbled endpapers. Five raised bands, with decorative gilt design and titling in gilt inside red and brown leather labels. All gilt top edge, a few unopened pages. 4.5" x 7", Vol. I, pp. lv, 2 - 413, Vol II - VI are similar, pp.vii 2 - 410. Vol. III - V similar with a Fine fold out map of the front of Vol. V. Vol VI is 'Johnsoniana Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson by Piozzi, Cumberland, Percy, et. al. with Diary of Dr. Campbell, newly collected and edited by Robina Napier". Very attractive set of the classic 18th century biography. Original late 1890's binding has held up well with light wear at the corners and rubs on the cover from adjacent books. The spines still sparkle from gilt titling and flourishes in four the spine panels. Tide mark on left half corner of V. I frontispiece, light age fade, otherwise all clean and tightly and beautifully bound. Near Fine. Item #2601
"I wrote forty-eight of the printed octavo pages of the 'Life of Savage' at a sitting; but then I sat up all night." (p 121, V. I).
Price: $300.00