THE WORKS OF THE ENGLISH POETS With Prefaces, Biographical and Critical Observations (Complete in 75 volumes) Johnson

London: J. Buckland et al, 1790. Book. Near Fine. Full Leather. Second Edition. 12mo (10 x 16cm). A highly attractive and complete set, in excellent condition of the second edition, which includes an additional fourteen poets, (including Johnson himself), added to the original selection of 1779-81. Numerous engraved copper plates to accompany Johnson's "Lives", half-titles/contents summary page to all volumes. Bound in contemporary full polished calf with matching marbled end papers and all edges. Spine decorated and lettered in gilt, with six compartments, the second and fifth with contrasting red and sepia title labels respectively, the third with oval black volume number label, all other compartmens with various gilt motifs and decoration. Gilt Greek key pattern to periphery of boards, gilt dentelles to edges. The condition is excellent with all title labels and number pieces present (a few replaced in facsimile), a little general wear and rubbing, the only fault to mention, the joints cracked to volume I, but boards firmly attached; joints to all other volumes fine. Contents clean and tight, a few end papers a little browned, very small contemporary signature to front free endpapers. A handsome set in outstanding condition. Provenance: From Newton Surmaville in Somerset. This house was originally bought by Robert Harbin, a mercer of Blandford in 1608 from Joseph Compton. Robert Harbin rebuilt the house, completed in 1612. The house has remained in the family until last year when the last member of the family Sophia Wyndham died aged 97. The contents of the house were sold in 2007, including the library which had remained untouched for hundreds of years..