Boswell, James, The Life of Samuel Johnson. 2 Bde. Mit 1 gest. Porträt von J. Heath nach J. Reynolds und 2 gest. Faksimiles . London, H. Baldwin für Ch. Dilly 1791. Dunkelbraune Maroquin-Einbände mit Rückenvergoldung, goldgepr. Deckelfilete, blindgepr. Innenkantenbordüre und Ganzgoldschnitt (sign. Bayntun, Bath). 27 : 20 cm. XII S., 8 Bll., 516 S.; 1 Bl., 588 S.

Mm4 and Nn1 in volume I and E3, Oo4, Qq3, Zz1 and Eee2 in volume II are cancels.

Grolier, One Hundred Books Famous in English Literature No. 65. - Rothschild 463. - Pottle 79. - Saywer/Darton I, 366.

2 vols. First edition, first state, with "gve" on p.135 in vol. I and all the cancels and misprints listed by Pottle. Boswell's great biography was published 16 May 1791 and achieved immediate critical acclaim. It has not been out of print since. - With stipple-engr. portrait by J. Heath after J. Reynolds and 2 engr. fac-similes. Mod. darkbrown morocco with gilt spine, gilt fillet, inside blindtooled border and gilt edges (signed Bayntun, Bath). 27 : 20 cm. - Partly minor foxing, 1 fac-simile somewhat browned, portrait unobtrusively mounted on old white leaf, title with backed marginal tear and old ownership inscription at head (somewhat trimmed). Boards of vol. II with minim. discoloring in places. Good copy.