Lot 63
  • 63

Johnson, Samuel

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description

A Dictionary of th English Language. London: Printed by W. Strahan, for J. & P Knapton; T. & T. Longman; C. Hitch & L. Hawes; A. Millar; and R. & J. Dodsley, 1755



2 volumes, folio (16 1/2 x 10 in.; 419 x 255 mm). Title-pages printed in red and black, woodcut tailpieces; short tear to fore-edge of title-page in vol. 1, title-page and quire 15A in vol. 2 and 5 quires in vol. 2 printed on calendered paper stock, light to moderate text browning in vol. 2, moderate text browning and offsetting in vol. 2, occasional foxing, chiefly marginal, top margins of  8k2–8M2 abraded. Later calf with triple-filleted border, the spines richly gilt in 7 compartments with two reserved for red and black morocco lettering pieces, dentelles blind-stamped with a sunburst tool, marbled endpapers, edges sprinkled red; joints dry and starting, small nick to foot of spine of vol. 2.  Brown cloth slipcases.

Provenance

Ralph Vallone, Jr. (bookplate)

Literature

Chapman & Hazen, p. 137; PMM 201; Grolier/ English 50; Rothschild 1237

Condition

2 volumes, folio (16 1/2 x 10 in.; 419 x 255 mm). Title-pages printed in red and black, woodcut tailpieces; title-page and 5 quires browned and printed on calendered paper stock, moderate text browning and offsetting in vol. 2, occasional foxing, chiefly marginal. Later calf with triple-filleted border, the spines richly gilt in 7 compartments with two reserved for red and black morocco lettering pieces, dentelles blind-stamped with a sunburst tool, marbled endpapers, edges sprinkled red; joints dry and starting. Brown cloth slipcases.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

First edition of the first standard English dictionary, with the text in the first state according Todd's points 1–3, 7–8, 12, 15, 20–21, and 23.