The English works of Roger Ascham, preceptor to Queen Elizabeth ... with notes and observations, and the author's life. By James Bennet
London: printed for T. Davis and J. Dodsley, n.d., [1767]. First edition, second issue, 4to, pp. [2], 4, [4], xvi, 395; recent brown calf-backed marbled boards; very good and sound. John Ryland's copy, with his dated (1768) signature on the title page, and with a one-and-a-quarter-page quarto manuscript account by Ryland of James Bennet tipped in (33 lines, approx. 350 words), beginning "The venerable editor of this work devoted a long life, very affectionately and successfully, to the education of youth in Hertfordshire ... Dr. Johnson furnished the Life of his Author..." Ryland (1717?-1798) married the sister of John Hawkesworth. "Ryland was acquainted with Dr. Johnson for many years, and was the last surviving friend of his early life. He belonged to the old club that met weekly in 1749 at the King's Head in Ivy Lane and was broken up about 1753, and he was one of the four surviving members that dined together in 1783. He also belonged to the Essex Head Club, which Johnson formed at the close of his life. He constantly visited the doctor in his last illness, he supplied Nichols with several of the particulars which are inserted in the article in the Gentleman's Magazine for 1784 (p. 957), and attended the funeral. Several of Dr. Johnson's letters to him are included in the correspondence edited by Dr. G. B. Hill, but he is seldom mentioned by Boswell, possibly because these letters were withheld from publication in Boswell's Life" (DNB). The dedication "To Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftsbury," and the "Life of Roger Ascham" were written by Samuel Johnson. "Tom Davis stated that Johnson was "in reality" the editor, and that he (Johnson) gave the work to Bennet for his advantage" (Courtney). With the 4-page list of subscribers, to whom the book was originally issued in January, 1762. "This issue is distinguished by the new half-title and undated title, and by the absence of the single leaf of 'Additional Subscribers'; in all other respects it comprises the sheets from the first issue of 1761" (Fleeman). Chapman & Hazen, 144; Courtney & Smith, 100; Fleeman 61.8BA/1b. Item #29291
Price: $2,500.00
