This volume presents the collected poems of Joseph Addison, accompanied by biographical and critical prefaces penned by the eminent English writer Samuel Johnson. Addison, a British writer and politician (1672-1719), is remembered for his simple prose style and his contributions to English literature, including his play *Cato, a Tragedy*, and his work on *The Spectator* magazine with Richard Steele. His poetry often includes moral vision and explores the transitory nature of human existence, with notable works such as "The Campaign" and various hymns.
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was a prolific English writer, celebrated as a poet, playwright, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. He is widely recognized for his *Dictionary of the English Language* (1755) and his influential *Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets* (1779-1781), a series of biographies and critical appraisals of 52 poets. Johnson's critical framework in these "Lives" emphasized the connection of literature to life and emotion, asserting that the best poetry resonates with universal truths. His own poetry, including "London" and "The Vanity of Human Wishes," often critiqued societal flaws and the futility of human ambition, employing classical satirical techniques.
This volume is part of Johnson's larger work, *The Works of the English Poets*, which served as prefaces to a collection of English poetry. Johnson's "Lives of the Poets" are considered a central collection of his critical work and remain a significant contribution to literary criticism, influencing how readers interpret poetic works. For a collector, this book is interesting as it combines the poetic output of a significant 18th-century figure, Joseph Addison, with the critical insights of Samuel Johnson, one of the most distinguished men of letters in English history. It offers a direct engagement with the literary tastes and critical standards of the late 18th century, providing both primary poetic texts and foundational literary analysis.
VOLUME XXIII ONLY -- from a 74-volume set. This volume is in uniform, original publisher's red leather binding and is in fair condition. The full leather cover has significant rubbing and wear, bumped corners, and cracked hinges. The spine is split with chipped/flaking leather along the hinges. The hinges are cracked. The hinges and joints are starting. The text block and pages are in good condition for their age, with toning, worn gilt edges, and some loose pages. The frontispiece is toned. A good candidate for rebinding.
Illustrated edition. Hardcover. No dust jacket. Bound in leather. All edges gilt. This is an antiquarian book that has had a long and illustrious journey through time. Please take a look at the pictures to ascertain the condition of this item.
Page Count: 344
Location: LIB-050