The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets with Critical Observations on Their Works. Volumes 1 and 2 (complete).

Author: Johnson, Samuel   

Publisher: London: James Christie 1824.

Description: [1]ff, 468pp; [2]ff, 437pp, including engraved frontispiece with tissue guard. Bound in quarter calf with calf corners on marbled boards, black and red gilt title labels to spines, extremities a little rubbed and corners slightly bumped, covers slightly scuffed, signature dated 1830 as well as another dated 1897 to flyleaf (written using guiding lines, suggesting a child?), occasional small and neat ink annotations throughout, pages crisp and fresh, minor spotting to scattered leaves, a very handsome set indeed. A lovely early 19th-century copy of Johnson's celebrated Lives with engraved frontispiece. “In a contract signed on 29 March 1777, Johnson had agreed with a consortium of booksellers to supply ‘a concise account' of some fifty poets: he undertook to do the work for £200, and though he eventually received twice this amount it is generally accepted that he could have held out for a much bigger sum. The first instalment came out in March 1779, the second in 1780, and the third in May 1781. Although Johnson's brusque treatment of well-connected nonentities gave rise to some hostile commentary, his major lives were quickly recognized as setting a new standard for English literary biography. In particular, the surveys of Cowley, Milton, Dryden, Swift, and Pope exemplify Johnson's serious concern with the deepest springs of creativity, as well as his ability to explore with considerable insight some individuals whose character and work aroused profound antipathy in him. Even in an age of greater theoretical sophistication, his reading of mainstream poetry from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries remains canonical, by reason of its attention to verbal detail, its decisive judgments, and its robust expression.” (DNB)

Order No: PIP 76644

Language: English

Price: £125.00

This book has been catalogued with the following subject terms: 18th Century, Antiquarian, Biography, Criticism & Theory, Poetry

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