SAMUEL JOHNSON’S WORKS, BEAUTIFULLY BOUND

JOHNSON, Samuel. The Works of Samuel Johnson. Troy, New York: Parfraets, (1903). Sixteen volumes. Octavo, contemporary full green morocco gilt, elaborately gilt-decorated boards with red morocco onlays, watered silk endpapers, top edges gilt. $8000.

Limited Collector's edition, number 23 of only 50 sets printed from type, with 48 engraved plates in triple suite, one of which is hand-colored, beautifully bound.

Johnson's works "remain a monument of genius and learning. Had he written nothing but what is contained in this edition, the quantity shews a life spent in study and meditation. If to this we added the labour of his Dictionary and other various productions, it may be fairly allowed, as he used to say of himself, that he has written his share" (Murphy). Includes The Rambler, The Adventurer, The Idler, Rasselas, Lives of the Poets, Journey to the Hebrides, sermons and miscellaneous pieces.

Interiors fine, spines mildly toned. A beautiful set in exceptional condition.