- 268
[Johnson, Samuel]
Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- [Johnson, Samuel]
- The Prince of Abissinia. A Tale. For R. and J. Dodsley and W. Johnston, 1759
- PAPER
8vo, 2 volumes, first edition, second state with "Contents of the second volume" on A2r of volume 2, contemporary sheep, flat spines in compartments, red morocco lettering-pieces, without blank M4 at end of volume 2, slight creasing, occasional light spotting, rebacked preserving original spines
Provenance
"L.C. Warre", ownership signature on title of each volume
Literature
Courtney and Nichol Smith, p.87; Tinker 1314
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
First edition of Johnson's only novel, generally called "Rasselas" after the name of the main character. Johnson is said to have written it in the space of a week, and only in the evenings. As Boswell remarked, "none of his writings has been so extensively diffused over Europe"; more than five hundred editions in different languages were published by 1984, the bicentenary of Johnson's death.