Books

Pickering's Oxford English Classics edition, large paper issues, of Johnson's complete works paired with Boswell's biography, respectively one of 75 and one of 50 sets. This edition of the Works was superintended by Francis Pearson Walesby (1798-1858), professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford. Initially intended as a nine-volume series, it was expanded with two supplementary volumes containing Johnson's debates. This set also comprises Boswell's Life of Johnson, edited by F. P. Walesby of Wadham College, in four volumes. 15 volumes, large octavo (246 x 150 mm). Contemporary dark blue morocco, spines with gilt-tooled raised bands, elaborate floral decoration and lettering in compartments, covers panelled in gilt, floral gilt roll to board edges and turn-ins, marbled endpapers, edges gilt and marbled. Engraved portrait frontispiece to vol. I of the Works and vol. I of Boswell's Life, two engraved folding plates. Spines slightly faded, short superficial splits to inner hinges of a few volumes, but entirely sound, a little foxing to endpapers and occasionally to contents, but generally bright and clean. A lovely set. Courtney & Smith p. 166; Keynes, Pickering Checklist, p. 54 and 74.