Bidspirit auction | 2 Piozzi & Boswell Books

2 Piozzi & Boswell Books on Samuel Johnson Including First Edition - Two leather and cloth antiquarian volumes relating to the life of Samuel Johnson, including works by Hester Lynch Piozzi (British, 1741-1821) and James Boswell (Scottish, 1740-1795). First edition of Piozzi's Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson, LL.D. During the Last Twenty Years of his Life, published in London by T. Cadell in 1786 (MDCCLXXXVI). The second volume is an American edition of Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., edited by Edmond Malone and published in Baltimore by J. W. Bond & Co. in 1856. The title page of the 1786 Piozzi volume bears two early ink signatures for James Skeffington. The front endpapers feature two armorial bookplates: one for Hugh Cecil, Earl of Lonsdale with the motto Magistratus Indicat Virum, and another for Dr William Sargant FRCP with the motto Christo Refugium Meum. The 1856 Boswell volume is inscribed Joseph S. Thomas Bristol May 20. 1886 on the flyleaf. Largest copy: 9 1/4” H x 6 1/8” W x 1 1/2” D. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.