JOHNSON, SAMUEL | The Vanity of Human Wishes. The Tenth Satire of Juvenal. London: R. Dodsley, 1749

JOHNSON, SAMUEL

The Vanity of Human Wishes. The Tenth Satire of Juvenal. London: R. Dodsley, 1749

4to (8 7/8 x 6 3/4 in.; 222 x 168 mm). Woodcut title ornament, head-piece, and opening historiated initial; long closed tear to A1 reinforced, inner margins of A1 and A2 reinforced, one or two marginal repairs, some spotting and staining. Modern full brown calf, upper cover decoratively bordered and lettered in gilt. In clamshell case.

First edition of Johnson's first book to bear his name

The Vanity of Human Wishes, Johnson's greatest poem, was written whilst Johnson was lodging in Hampstead and working on his Dictionary.

PROVENANCE

William Painter (booklabel to front pastedown)