Beschreibung:

BOSWELL, JAMES. The Life of Samuel Johnson, L.L.D. Comprehending an Account of His Studies and Numerous Works, in Chronological Order.... London: Henry Baldwin for Charles Dilly, 1791.
2 volumes. 4to (279 x 213 mm). Stipple-engraved frontispiece portrait after Sir Joshua Reynolds and two engraved plates. 19th century gilt-paneled crimson straight-grain morocco, expertly rebacked, spine lettered in gilt, a.e.g., custom cloth clamshell cases. Some light spots to preliminary and final leaves, small tear from outer margin of frontispiece, volume two with plates toned, some wax build-up to binding, an attractive copy.
Provenance: Foster Barham Zincke, 1817-1893 (bookplate in each volume).
FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE, With "gve" reading on pp 135 of first volume. Today scholars value the text as much for its description of the 18th century England life and culture as its depiction of Johnson and his cronies. "Everyone with an interest in Johnson is very much in debt to Boswell ... If there had been no Boswell, Johnson would have been one of the most famous names in English literature; but that he has become a household name ... is due to the chance that brought Boswell into his company" (Wain, 229). Grolier English 100:131; Rothschild 463.