The poems of Mr. Gray. To which are prefixed memoirs of his life and writings by Mr. Mason, M.A. The second edition
London: printed by H. HHughs and sold by J. Dodsley, and J. Todd, York, 1775. 4to, pp. [4], 416; 109, [2]; engraved portrait frontispiece (a bit rubbed); contemporary tree calf, red morocco label on gilt-decorated spine; hinges neatly strengthened, small, neat repairs at the bottom of the spine; all else very good and sound. Armorial 18th century bookplate of Sir John Mordaunt. Johnson thought little of the biography which he considered "fit for the second table," but this criticism was largely due to political rather than literary tastes. "Mason took great liberties with the letters, considering them less as biographical documents than as literary material to be edited...The book, however, is in other respects, well done" (see DNB). Item #42334
Price: $275.00
