The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets;; With Critical Observations on their Works. . . In Four Volumes.
London: Printed for C. Bathurst, J. Buckland, W. Strahan, et al, 1781. First London edition thus titled. Four vols., 8vos, fronstispiece, vii, 480; iii, 471; [ii], 462; [ii], 505; contemporary tree calf with gilt spines and red leather labels. A few corners gently creased; occasional marks; covers only slightly rubbed; a very nice set. Item #206048
The frontispiece portrait of Johnson, engraved by Thomas Trotter after Joshua Reynolds, is in the state without the publisher's imprint. After the Dictionary, the Lives of the Poets is Johnson's most celebrated work and a major contribution to the development of English literary criticism. Courtney & SMith p. 141; Fleeman 79.4LP/5.
Price: $1,250.00