92 - Two leather and cloth antiquarian volumes relating to the life of Samuel Johnson, including works by Hester Lynch Piozzi (British, 1741-1821) and James Boswell (Scottish, 1740-1795). First edition of Piozzi's Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson, LL.D. During the Last Twenty Years of his Life, published in London by T. Cadell in 1786 (MDCCLXXXVI). The second volume is an American edition of Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., edited by Edmond Malone and published in Baltimore by J. W. Bond & Co. in 1856. The title page of the 1786 Piozzi volume bears two early ink signatures for James Skeffington. The front endpapers feature two armorial bookplates: one for Hugh Cecil, Earl of Lonsdale with the motto Magistratus Indicat Virum, and another for Dr William Sargant FRCP with the motto Christo Refugium Meum. The 1856 Boswell volume is inscribed Joseph S. Thomas Bristol May 20. 1886 on the flyleaf. Largest copy: 9 1/4" H x 6 1/8" W x 1 1/2" D.

Two leather and cloth antiquarian volumes relating to the life of Samuel Johnson, including works by Hester Lynch Piozzi (British, 1741-1821) and James Boswell (Scottish, 1740-1795). First edition of Piozzi's Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson, LL.D. During the Last Twenty Years of his Life, published in London by T. Cadell in 1786 (MDCCLXXXVI). The second volume is an American edition of Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., edited by Edmond Malone and published in Baltimore by J. W. Bond & Co. in 1856. The title page of the 1786 Piozzi volume bears two early ink signatures for James Skeffington. The front endpapers feature two armorial bookplates: one for Hugh Cecil, Earl of Lonsdale with the motto Magistratus Indicat Virum, and another for Dr William Sargant FRCP with the motto Christo Refugium Meum. The 1856 Boswell volume is inscribed Joseph S. Thomas Bristol May 20. 1886 on the flyleaf. Largest copy: 9 1/4" H x 6 1/8" W x 1 1/2" D. Samuel Johnson was Peter's lifelong fascination, a man of words and wit whose sayings he kept typed out beside his desk. These are the Johnson biographies he read, and they are aligned with the Johnson portraits in Lots 27 and 28. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: Both volumes exhibit significant wear consistent with age. The leather binding of the 1786 Piozzi volume shows heavy rubbing to the covers, rounding at the corners, and chipping with small losses at the head and foot of the spine. Internally, the text block displays pervasive browning, toning, and scattered foxing. The 1856 Boswell volume shows shelf wear to the cloth boards, with fraying and small losses at the spine ends and corners. The internal pages are toned with foxing throughout and some damp staining to the upper margins of the later leaves. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.