- 14
Boswell, James
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Boswell, James
- The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Comprehending an account of his studies and numerous works, in chronological order; A series of his epistolary correspondence and conversations with eminent persons; and various original pieces of his composition, never before published. London: Henry Baldwin for Charles Dilly, 1791
- paper
4to (295 x 225mm.), 2 volumes, FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE (volume 1, p.135, line 10 "gve" for "give"), aquatint portrait frontispiece of Johnson by J. Heath after Joshua Reynolds, original blue-grey paper boards, cream paper spines lettered in ink at a later date, uncut, later red morocco-backed chemises and morocco-tipped slipcase, repaired marginal tear in frontispiece, minor localised marginal worming in volume 1, without initial blank in volume 2, occasional light spotting or soiling, soiling to boards, joints cracking (upper cover of volume 1 nearly detached), extremities worn
Provenance
Viscount Birkenhead, armorial bookplate; Victor Rothschild, bookplate
Literature
Pottle 79; Rothschild 463; Tinker 338
Condition
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."
"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
A FINE, UNSOPHISTATED COPY OF THE MOST CELEBRATED BIOGRAPHY IN ANY LANGUAGE. "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).