Johnsonian Gleanings, Part X: Johnson's Early Life: The Final Narrative

£80.00

Johnsonian Gleanings, Part X: Johnson's Early Life: The Final Narrative

Name: Johnsonian Gleanings, Part X: Johnson's Early Life: The Final Narrative
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6235
Price: 80.00 GBP
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Johnsonian Gleanings, Part X: Johnson's Early Life: The Final Narrative, Aleyn Lyell Reade — 1st Edition

Publication: London, Privately Printed for the Author by Percy Lund Humphries & Co. Ltd., 1946

Formatting: 8vo, pp. xii, 224.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original mustard-brown cloth binding remains structurally sound and square, though it exhibits moderate shelf-wear typical of its age, including rubbing to the extremities, gentle bumping to the corners, and scattered, superficial marks to the boards. The spine is slightly sunned, dulling the original blind-stamping, with minor signs of fraying beginning at the head and tail. Internally, the volume is highly commendable; the hinges are fully intact, and the text block is securely bound with no separation. The pages are remarkably bright and clean, free from notable foxing or oxidation, save for a few faint, isolated spots to the preliminary leaves and endpapers. A handsome, unmarked bookplate is firmly affixed to the front pastedown.

Catalogue Note: This is a First Edition of Part X of Aleyn Lyell Reade's magnum opus, Johnsonian Gleanings. Privately printed for the author in a strictly limited capacity, this exhaustive genealogical series remains a cornerstone of Samuel Johnson biographical scholarship.

This specific copy is elevated by a striking, highly stylised presentation inscription from the author to the front free endpaper. Rendered in a bold, elongated calligraphic script, it reads: "CHRISTINE WOODWARD from ALEYN." Beneath this unique dedication rests a printed presentation slip, overlaid with a handwritten note indicating the volume was later passed down "From the estate of the late William Woodward O.T." Furthermore, an intricate "Ex Libris" bookplate depicting a well-appointed antiquarian's study graces the front pastedown, adding to the volume's rich chain of provenance.

While complete sets of Johnsonian Gleanings occasionally surface on the market, individual parts, particularly those bearing such distinctive, personal authorial inscriptions, are scarce and seldom encountered by collectors.

Aleyn Lyell Reade devoted much of his life to meticulously researching the ancestry and early life of Dr. Samuel Johnson, the great English lexicographer and man of letters. In this tenth instalment, Johnson's Early Life: The Final Narrative, Reade synthesises decades of genealogical sleuthing into a cohesive, definitive chronicle of Johnson’s formative years. Privately printed and highly regarded by literary scholars, this volume serves not only as an essential reference for Johnsonians but also as a masterclass in biographical methodology.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Aleyn Lyell Reade

Book Publisher: Percy Lund Humphries & Co. Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Autobiography, Biography & Memoirs

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: Yes

Book Pages: 236

Book Publication Year: 1946

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Johnsonian Gleanings

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

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Condition	Description
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Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.