Description

Click here to see our other books! The Life of Samuel Johnson James Boswell 1804 T. Cadell and W. Davies : London 9" by 5.5" xxxiii [1], 2-464; 493; 480; 522 [3], 2-16pp SUMMARY The scarce fourth edition of James Boswell's biography of English man of letters, Samuel Johnson. Folding Plates,Illustrated,Leather Binding,Scarce Overall Condition: Good This book weighs 4 KG when packed UK Postage: £ 4.49 US Postage: £ 39.99 EU Postage : £ 26.99 European Postage: £ 36.99 Asia Postage: £ 65.99 Worldwide Postage: £ 99.99 DESCRIPTION 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. Overall Condition: Good GLOSSARY OF TERMS Overall Condition (Dustwrapper condition rating is shown after that for the book itself, where a dustwrapper is present) Fine - Very well preserved copy showing very little wear Very Good Indeed - Only one or two minor faults, really a very attractive copy Very Good - Quite a wide term meaning no major faults but probably several smaller ones often expected given the age of the book, but still a respectable copy Good - Meaning not very good. Some more serious faults as will be described in the condition report under 'condition' Good Only - Meaning one or more faults that could really do with repair Fair - As with good only above but with other faults leaving a compromised copy even after repair Poor - Really bad and possibly seriously incomplete. We only sell books in this condition where their rarity or value makes them attractive none the less. Major defects will be described. GUARANTEE We offer a full money back guarantee on our descriptions. Please ask for details and conditions. We prefer PAYPAL. If you pay via PAYPAL we will post the item off the same or the next working day with the postage you have selected. Please note we cannot accept USD cheques