[JAMES BOSWELL] SCOTT, Geoffrey (ed)Biblio.com
PRIVATE PAPERS OF JAMES BOSWELL / In the Isham Collection from Malahide Castle / Now First Printed
19289900041580Privately printed 1928. Folio. The first publication of Boswell's private papers which had since Boswell's death in 1785 lain locked in a cabinet sequestered in the estate of Lord Talbot de Malahide until the copyright to them was acquired by Lieut. Col. Isham 'as a result of which this long-shut gateway into the eighteenth century was finally unlocked'. Prepared for the press by Geoffrey Scott whose 'duty has here been confined except in Vol. VI to establish the text and chronology of the documents; to classify them with a view to the special character of this edition; and to provide some brief explanatory prefaces.' The printer was William Edwin Rudge of New York City. After printing the type was distributed. Our offering is the prospectus for an eighteen volume set from which Rudge the printer '.has the honour to present the following particulars in regard to the set for the information of collectors'. The folio contains details of the first six volumes in the series which were issued in December 1928 and brief details of 'further volumes to be issued subsequently'. Also laid-in loose is a facsimile of a page in Boswell's hand from his private papers. The 13 pages of text and the facsimile measure 39 x 26.5 cms. and except for some minor marginal age-toning are in excellent condition. The stiff card folder on which is printed 'Private Papers of James Boswell' shows expected wear but is still perfectly serviceable. [Privately printed] unknown
