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1804 The Life of Samuel Johnson
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Description
Folding Plates, Illustrated, Leather Binding, Scarce
The scarce fourth edition of this work, first published in 1791.
Illustrated with a frontispiece to volume I, and with two folding plates. Collated, complete.
Whilst Boswell's personal acquaintance with his subject began in 1763, when Johnson was fifty four years old, Boswell covered the entirety of Johnson's life by means of additional research. The most admired and best remembered portions of the book are Boswell's first-hand accounts of Johnson from the last twenty-one years of the subject's life.
A landmark work in the development of the modern biography in English, many have claimed this to be the greatest biography ever written. Nevertheless, this biography takes many critical liberties with Johnson's life, with Boswell making various changes to Johnson's quotations and even censoring his comments.
With a sixteen page publisher's catalogue to the rear of volume IV, dated July 1st, 1806.
Condition
In full calf bindings, with gilt detailing to perimeters of front boards. Small losses to perimeters of four of the eight spine labels, with rubbing to back strips. Small losses of leather to back strip head and tail. Rear joint of volumes I and IV, head of front joint of volume IV, and joints of volumes II and III starting, with boards holding firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages generally clean and bright, with the odd light spot.
Good
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