Books

London: both works printed for G. Kearsley,, 1785. First collected edition, first issue, of Johnson's poetical works, bound together with the second and corrected edition of an anonymous Life of Johnson. This compilation of Johnson's poetry begins with London: a Poem in Imitation of the Third Satire of Juvenal, his "first original work of importance" (ODNB). It includes all the Latin and English poems, as well as the tragedy Irene. Johnson's biography is attributed to William Cooke (d. 1824), also known as "Conversation Cooke", a poet and member of Johnson's circle in London. The famous portrait of Johnson included as a frontispiece in his Life was made by the engraver Thomas Trotter in February 1782; when the Doctor first saw it, he commented: "Well, thou art an ugly fellow; but still, I believe thou art like the original" (p. 134). Two works bound in a single vol., octavo (162 x 90 mm). Near-contemporary quarter calf, spine with gilt ruled raised bands, red morocco label,…