Books

Early edition, contemporarily bound and including an extended account of Johnson's life by his enduring friend Arthur Murphy. Following Johnson's death in 1784, those in his circle became highly protective of his legacy and began curating his works and anecdotes so that the life and opinions of the great lexicographer would not be forgotten. It was the playwright Arthur Murphy (1727-1806) who introduced to Johnson the diarist Hester Thrale, whose writings form another important primary source for Johnson's life. Murphy's preface, which first appeared in the 1792 edition, joined a chorus of criticism of John Hawkins, whose own biographical preface in the original collected edition of 1787 was roundly discredited by Johnson's acquaintances. Murphy opens the edition by musing upon the popularity of literary biographies: "The admirer of his works is eager to know his private opinions, his course of study, the particularities of his conduct, and, above all, whether he pursued the wisdom which he recommends, and practised the virtue which his writings inspire. [Some wish] even to form a posthumous friendship with the author" (p. 2). Twelve vols, octavo (212 x 129 mm). Contemporary marbled calf, twin red spine labels, smooth spines with floral rolls dividing compartments with central device, milled gilt roll on board edges, edges of leaves sprinkled green. Engraved portrait frontispiece of the author by John Hall after Joshua Reynolds. Spines lightly and uniformly sunned, gilt bright, mottling and occasional bumps and scuffs to leather, wear to corners, a couple of trivial splits to inner hinges, margins of outer leaves browned by turn-ins, sporadic foxing to contents. A very good set. Courtney & Smith, p. 164; ESTC T82916.