Beschreibung:

STERNE, Laurence (1713-1768). A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy by Mr. Yorick . London: T. Becket and P.A. de Hondt, 1768. 2 volumes in one, 8°, half-titles, Sterne's engraved coat-of-arms in vol. II (half-title in vol. I bound in after title, occasional light stains), contemporary speckled calf, gilt spine tooled with "Toison d'Or" device (spine slightly frayed at head). Provenance : George Baillie, Lord of the Treasury, possibly the "Mr. Bayly" in the list of subscribers (his signature on titles, and engraved bookplate by R. Cooper). FIRST EDITION, with a 12pp. rather than a 16pp. list of subscribers. Sterne's journey was made in October, 1765; his account was complete by December 1767, and published on 27 February at five shillings; less than a month later, on 18 March, Sterne died. Grolier English 54; Rothschild 1971. BOSWELL, James (1740-1795). The Life of Samuel Johnson . Dublin: John Chambers for R. Cross [and others], 1792. 3 volumes, 8°, 2 folding engraved plates (the first torn with slight loss and heavily creased, Bb4 of vol. II with clean tear into text, without final blanks in vols. II and III), contemorary tree calf, smooth gilt spines (lightly rubbed). A close reprint of the first edition, which preceded the London second edition of 1793. Pottle 80. The Instructor; or, The art of living well . London: S. Bladon, 1754. 8°, woodcut headpieces and initials, contemporary vellum with red morocco lettering-piece. Provenance : Joseph Smith (1682-1770), British Consul at Venice (armorial bookplate); F.N. Smith (red morocco book label). FIRST AND ONLY EDITION OF THIS SCARCE CONDUCT BOOK. COVENTRY, Francis (d. 1759?). The History of Pompey the Little; or, The life and adventures of a lap-dog . London: M. Cooper, 1751. 12°, engraved frontispiece by Boitard (light browning), modern tan calf. Bookplate of W.A. Harding. FIRST EDITION. (6)