An early American printing of Samuel Johnson's Works by the New York Printer William Durell. Complete in 12 volumes, spanning 1809-1811. Provenance of the Baltimore builder and businessman James Mosher.
About Johnson -
Often referred to as Dr. Johnson, was an English writer who made lasting contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer. Johnson was a devout Anglican and committed Tory, and is described by the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography as "arguably the most distinguished man of letters in English history".
Physical Attributes -
I have a similar early American Shakespeare set that I know to be bound in sheep skin; these bindings look the same therefore I believe they are bound in sheep, which explains why it has some cracking issues (not as strong as leather).
Twelve volumes. Books measure 18 x 10 cm. Set is 40 cm. wide. Nine frontispiece illustrations present (10's is missing; unsure if other two volumes had one because there is no ghosting).
About the Printer -
William Durell was a well known part of the early 19th century New York printing scene. He was charged for sedition when he printed a tract comparing President John Adams to Benedict Arnold.
Condition -
See pictures. Vintage patina to all the books. Due to the materials used in the early U.S., the binding sheep leather drys out and the paper takes on yellow tints. Also, this set was oiled at some time, so the first and last sheets of each book has an outline of oil where the paper wicked the oil away from the turn ins. A number of joints are cracked (mostly) with volumes 4, 6, 8, 9, & 12 having one board detached, but present. Volume 7's front board is missing entirely. Volumes 3, 6 and 10 with frontispiece illustrations; 10 is obviously missing its, unsure of others. Yellowing throughout. Engravings typically ghost on facing pages. Notes throughout. Provenance of James Mosher (Baltimore) present in every book, and he took notes (and read the set). Annotations throughout.
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