- 513
Boswell, James
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Boswell, James
- The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., Comprehending an Account of His Studies and Numerous Works. London: Printed by Henry Baldwin for Charles Dilly, 1791
- paper
4to (274 x 209mm.), 2 volumes, first edition, one of 750 copies, S4r in second state (reading "give" in line10), engraved portrait by J. Heath after Joshua Reynolds, letterpress titles, two plates of facsimiles, Mm4 and Nn1 in volume 1 cancels as usual, leaves E3, Oo4, Qq3, Zz1 and Eee2 cancels in volume 2 as usual, a few early pencil markings in margins, contemporary tree calf, spines elaborately gilt with morocco labels, preserved in modern cloth slipcases, some very minor occasional spotting and staining, joints partially cracked, slight wear to corners and edges of binding
First edition in a contemporary binding of the most famous biography in any language and one of of Western literature's most germinal achievements. Boswell's Life of Johnson was "unprecedented in its time in its depth of research and its extensive use of private correspondence and recorded conversation. [It] sought to dramatize its subject in his authorial greatness and formidable social presence, and at the same time treat him with a profound sympathy and inhabit his inner life. Boswell both elevated the life of the writer to epic stature, and attended to the minute details of life as lived..." (Gordon Turnbull, Oxford DNB)
First edition in a contemporary binding of the most famous biography in any language and one of of Western literature's most germinal achievements. Boswell's Life of Johnson was "unprecedented in its time in its depth of research and its extensive use of private correspondence and recorded conversation. [It] sought to dramatize its subject in his authorial greatness and formidable social presence, and at the same time treat him with a profound sympathy and inhabit his inner life. Boswell both elevated the life of the writer to epic stature, and attended to the minute details of life as lived..." (Gordon Turnbull, Oxford DNB)
Literature
Grolier, English 131; Pottle 79; Rothschild 463
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."