The Life Of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Comprehending An Account Of His Studies, And Numerous Works, In Chronological Order; A Series Of His Epistolary Correspondence and Conversations with Many Eminent Persons.
London: Printed For T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1816. Eighth edition. Hardcover. Complete in four volumes. 8vo, frontispiece portrait, xxxvii, 481pp, 2 folding plates; Vol. II: 496pp; Vol. III: 483pp; Vol IV: 530pp. The engraved frontispiece portrait was commissioned by Boswell from James Heath (1757-1834), after a Reynolds painting begun in 1756. Reynolds' reaction to Heath's first try at the portrait was that it made Johnson appear too young and not thoughtful enough; this frontispiece is the second, somewhat older and wiser looking Johnson portrait. Contemporary diced calf, early re-backing, inner hinges strengthened. Internally, damp marks at foredge, a few early pages and at folding plates, Vol. I; previous owner signatures at title page. Some drying at exterior hinges; Vol. III spine a bit rubbed. A fair set overall. OCLC: 13107788. Fair. Item #20456
Price: $275.00