Boswell, James.

4to (268 x 208mm.), 2 volumes 4to, first edition, one of 1,750 copies, first state with reading "gve" in line 10, p.135 of volume 1, engraved portrait of Johnson by James Heath after Sir Joshua Reynolds, 2 engraved plates of facsimiles by H. Shepherd, without initial blank in volume 2,cancel leaves Mm4, Nn1 (volume 1) and E3, Oo4, Qq3, Zz1 and Eee2 (volume2), contemporary calf gilt, spines in six compartments with morocco labels, slipcase, joints cracked or partially split, some further edge wear, some slight foxing and browning

The writer and essayist Sir Edmund William Gosse, his bookplate in volume 1

Pottle 79; Grolier English 65; Rothshild 463; Tinker 338

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Edmund Gosse's copy of the first edition of the first great modern biography, and still the most famous, in any language, of all time. It is "one of Western literature's most germinal achievements: unprecedented in its time in its depth of research and its extensive use of private correspondence and recorded conversation..." (Gordon Turnbull, Oxford DNB)