Art, Gold & Silver, Primitives & Rare Books
Lot 156:
Description
Early 19th century leather bound two volume set titled The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets; With Critical Observations on Their Works by Samuel Johnson, L.L.D., published in New York by William Durell in 1811. This set includes Volume I and Volume III from the original three volume series and presents Samuel Johnson’s celebrated literary biographies and critiques of many of England’s greatest poets, widely regarded as one of the foundational works of English literary criticism. Both volumes are bound in period full leather with gilt spine lettering reading Johnson’s Lives and black title labels identifying Vol. I and Vol. III, each measuring approximately 7.5 x 4.6 x 1.25 inches. Interiors exhibit expected age toning and foxing with early handwritten ownership signatures including Frederick Farrand and George Robinson. Bindings remain intact with visible wear and rubbing consistent with age and use, offering an attractive and historically significant early American printing for collectors of literature, antiquarian books, and early 19th century publishing.
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