Lot 339
English poetry--Johnson, Samuel, editor
Rare Books, Manuscripts & Photographs
Auction: 16 January 2008 at 11:00 GMT
£2,040
Description
The works of the English poets. With prefaces biographical and critical. London: J. Buckland [&c.], 1790-95, 75 volumes, 8vo, contemporary tree calf, spines gilt, each volume with 2 black morocco lettering pieces and red morocco volume pieces, spines gilt, a few volumes slightly rubbed, one volume rebacked to match
Footnote
Note: A fine set of Samuel Johnson's monumental edition of the works of English poets, with his direct and illuminating prefaces, written at the request of a number of prominent London booksellers. Boswell, in his Life of Samuel Johnson, notes that it is "the richest, most beautiful, and indeed most perfect, production of Johnson's pen."