The Rambler. In Three Volumes. The Thirteenth Edition. (By Samuel Johnson). London: T. Longman, et al., 1794.
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The Rambler was published on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 1750 to 1752 and totals 208 articles. It was Johnson's most consistent and sustained work in the English language. Though similar in name to preceding publications such as The Spectator and The Tatler, Johnson made his periodical unique by using a style of prose which differed from that of the time period. The most popular publications of the day were written in the common or colloquial language of the people whereas The Rambler was written in elevated prose. As was then common for the type of publication, the subject matter was confined only to the imagination of the author (and the sale of the publication); typically, however, The Rambler discussed subjects such as morality, literature, society, politics, and religion. Johnson included quotes and ideas in his publication from Renaissance humanists such as Desiderius Erasmus and René Descartes. His writings in The Rambler are considered to be neoclassical.
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Size: 145 x 221 mm (approx., each)
Condition:
[5ff, 462pp.]; [5ff, 459pp.]; [5ff, 407pp, 14ff. (index)]
Rebacked 19th century half calf preserving earlier, probably original, boards. The set shows very attractively on the shelf with tooled black morocco labels. Spine slightly rubbed with some gilt loss but remain attractive. Joints a little rubbed but securely attached. Bindings secure and without shelf lean. Leather raised along the joint of the rear board of the third volume. Boards heavily rubbed with loss. Shelf and edge wear at corners. Top page edges uniformly dulled, else, edges generally very good. Without any attached bookplates or ownership inscriptions. Some foxing to endpapers and first and last few leaves, else, generally very clean throughout. Each volume is bound with its half title.
[OCLC 1113500292].
