The world. In four volumes. By Adam Fitz-Adam. A new edition.

Edinburgh: at the Apollo Press, by the Martins, 1776. 4 volumes, contemporary full tree calf gilt-decorated spines, red morocco labels; very good set, minimally rubbed. Originally issued in 210 weekly numbers 1753-56, The World, a popular, if short-lived weekly contained articles from many luminaries of the day, and has its special place in the history of Johnson's Dictionary as it includes Lord Chesterfield's two essays published in November and December, 1754, finally acknowledging Johnson's achievement virtually on the eve of its publication: "Perfection is not to be expected from man; but if we are to judge from the various works of Mr. Johnson already published, we have good reason to believe that he will bring this as near to perfection as any one man could do. The plan of it, which he published some years ago, seems to me to be a proof of it. Nothing can be more rationally imagined, or more accurately and elegantly expressed. I therefore recommend the previous perusal of it to all those who intend to buy the Dictionary, and who, I suppose, are all those who can afford it." The World was edited by the fabulist and dramatist Edward Moore (1712-57) under the pseudonym Adam Fitz-Adam, who contributed 61 of the numbers, and was devoted to satirizing the vices and follies of fashionable society. Another of the contributors was Horace Walpole. This edition includes the additional essay, "A World Extraordinary," written by Walpole, and published in January of 1757. Hazen, p. 157-58; NCBEL II, 559. Item #23251

Price: $350.00

See all items in English Literature, Literature
See all items by ,