[Johnson, Samuel]

8vo (150 x 93mm.), 2 volumes, first edition, volume II with “Contents | Vol.II” on p.[iii] and “indiscerptible” on p.161, contemporary calf-backed boards with vellum tips, modern morocco-backed folding box, lacking final blank leaf (M4) in volume 2, occasional slight spotting, small stain in gutter volume 1, pp,34-35

Sir Edward Blackett, bookplate

Chapman & Hazen, p.142; Courtney & Smith, p.87; ESTC T139510; Fleeman 59.4R/1

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

Two variant states of the first edition exist, although the traditional distinction between first and second issues no longer appears correct: Fleeman argues persuasively that the distribution of variants in different copies bears only on the production of Rasselas and not its publication. Although Hawkins and Boswell agree that Johnson wrote Rasselas at great speed to help his dying mother and to pay for her funeral, references in Johnson's letters to his mother's illness and his delivery of the copy to William Strahan suggest funeral expenses were not Johnson's primary motive in writing this exotic tale.