BOSWELL, James. The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., London, by Henry Baldwin for Charles Dilly, 1791, 2 vols., 4°, FIRST EDITION, vol. I 2m4 and 2N1 also vol. II E3, 2O4, 2Q4, 2Z1 and 3E2 are cancels (vol. II lacking A1, blank), 2 engraved plates (lacking portrait of Johnson, occasional spotting), contemporary half russia (covers detached). [Pottle 79; Rothschild 464] (2)

Details

BOSWELL, James. The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., London, by Henry Baldwin for Charles Dilly, 1791, 2 vols., 4°, FIRST EDITION, vol. I 2m4 and 2N1 also vol. II E3, 2O4, 2Q4, 2Z1 and 3E2 are cancels (vol. II lacking A1, blank), 2 engraved plates (lacking portrait of Johnson, occasional spotting), contemporary half russia (covers detached). [Pottle 79; Rothschild 464] (2)

Lot Essay

Boswell's Magnum Opus appeared on May 16th, the 28th anniversary of his meeting with Johnson, and over 6 years after Johnson's death. Eight hundred copies, heavily-priced at 2 guineas, were sold within the first week.

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