October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
Book: The Rambler. /In Four Volumes./ Volume III, By Samuel Johnson, L.L.D., 11th Edition. Dublin: Printed by D. Graisberry, 1785. 12mo, 319 pages. Full leather, burgundy label with gilt on spine. The bookplate of Benjamin Lincoln Lear measuring 3.75 X 1.5” is affixed to the front pastedown. Normal exterior wear, lightly soiled interior, else very good condition.
The words, “four degrees”, written in George Washington’s hand, have been laid in to volume III. A copy of the original manuscript from which the words were excised has been included, along with a lengthy provenance for the books. This was originally part of an auction that included items from the Tobias Lear family (George Washington’s closest confidant and personal secretary). At this sale a map from the same family sold for over $1,000,000. A color photocopy of a list titled, “Catalogue of Books received from Washington”, believed to have been written by Benjamin Lear, Tobias’ son and George Washington’s Godson is included. The titles of these books are listed in this manuscript and are starred for identification.
The Rambler was a periodical paper begun by Dr. Samuel Johnson in 1750, and continued twice a week for two years. He told Sir Joshua Reynolds how he chose the title, “What must be done, sir, will be done. When I was to begin publishing that paper, I was at a loss how to name it. I sat down at night upon my bedside, and resolved that I would not go to sleep till I had fixed its name. The Rambler seemed the best that occurred, and I took it.” The sale of the Rambler eventually became quite popular, requiring numerous later printings. Each periodical was numbered; With the exception of four or five numbers, the whole of the Rambler was written by Dr. Johnson. Comes with letter of authenticity from University Archives.