- 86
Johnson, Samuel.
Estimate
14,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
- A Dictionary of the English Language. London: Printed by W. Strahan for J. and P. Knapton; T. and T. Longman; C. Hitch and L. Hawes; A. Millar; and R. and J. Dodsley, 1755
- paper
folio (414 x 261mm.), 2 volumes, first edition, titles printed in red and black, woodcut tailpieces, eighteenth-century half calf over marbled boards, spines gilt in seven compartments, upper covers with gilt crest and motto, modern cloth clamshell cases, title and final leaf of volume 2 lightly creased, very occasional light spotting and browning, bindings rubbed, the cases somewhat worn
Provenance
Front covers with armorial device and indecipherable motto; Charles Thorp, nineteenth-century signature on front free endpapers; Ross Smith, pioneering aviator who made the first England to Australia airmail flight in 1919, signature dated September 1922 on front free endpaper of first volume; Mary H.W. Lloyd, bookplate
Literature
Courtney & Smith p.54; PMM 201; Rothschild 127; Todd. "Variants in Johnson's Dictionary, 1755", in The Book Collector 14:212-214
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This attractive copy includes sheets 19D and 24O in their first settings. "The most enduring, and endearing one-man feat in the field of Lexicography" (PMM).