THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
[JOHNSON, Samuel (1709-1784). Rasselas.] The Prince of Abissinia. London: R. and J. Dodsley, and W. Johnston, 1759.
Details
[JOHNSON, Samuel (1709-1784). Rasselas.] The Prince of Abissinia. London: R. and J. Dodsley, and W. Johnston, 1759.
2 volumes in one, 8o (151 x 100 mm). Contemporary speckled calf, spine gilt with red morocco lettering-piece in one compartment, speckled edges (edges and spine lightly rubbed, rear joint starting).
FIRST EDITION. Johnson wrote this work quickly in order to pay for a trip to Lichfield to see his mother, who was seriously ill, but it appears that she died either as he was finishing the work, or just afterwards. Johnson used the money he received for the work to pay for his mother's funeral and other debts she had left. Later known as Rasselas, Johnson neither used this title for the work during his lifetime nor let his name appear on the title-page. Courtney and Smith, p. 87; Rothschild 1242; Tinker 1314.
2 volumes in one, 8
FIRST EDITION. Johnson wrote this work quickly in order to pay for a trip to Lichfield to see his mother, who was seriously ill, but it appears that she died either as he was finishing the work, or just afterwards. Johnson used the money he received for the work to pay for his mother's funeral and other debts she had left. Later known as Rasselas, Johnson neither used this title for the work during his lifetime nor let his name appear on the title-page. Courtney and Smith, p. 87; Rothschild 1242; Tinker 1314.